ZERO TOLERANCE OF DRUGS

Buffalo Targets Owners Of Drug Houses

Buffalo is getting tough on drug activities. But law enforcement may
be going after the wrong target.

A new policy is aimed at landlords whose tenants deal drugs. Property
owners now must evict drug-dealing tenants within 10 days of an arrest
or face a $5,000 fine and eviction themselves.

Owners will be notified by the city when a drug arrest is made at a
residential property.

The policy derives its legal basis from the Bawdy House Law of the
early 1900s. It authorizes a landlord to evict a tenant involved in an
illegal activity. If the landlord does not act, other parties may
demand that a lawbreaker be evicted.

The new policy should embolden owners to remove drug dealers. But they
may want assistance from the police for the task.

Where, than, will the dealers go? And what if family members are
living in the same residence but are not accused of any crime?

If nothing else, the action shows how fed up and frustrated citizens
are with the drug trade going on in their midst. Neighbors usually
know when illegal activities are taking place. Sometimes landlords are
not aware. Now they will have to be.