NEIGHBOUR FINDS CRACK HOUSE WINS

To the Editor,

I have just finished reading your article Neighbors fight back (Oct. 26). I
live across the street from one of Nanaimo's oldest and largest drug houses
at 685 Railway Ave. This house has been in business for 20 years (yes, 20
years).We bought our home last Christmas and started our dream only to
discover it was a horrible nightmare.

I argue with hookers and crack addicts daily, dodge the fast-driving
addicts while walking my dog, keeping a close eye out on the ground so she
doesn't step on any needles (nine found in total).

I worry when my children walk to the teen centre as these guys hang out at
the gate at the centre to sell their drugs on Friday nights.

I've had a man jump out of his truck at me and a gentleman threaten to burn
down my house with me and my children in it while were sleeping.

My fiance worries when he has to work out of town and I don't sleep a wink.

My vehicle has been gone through many times as well my neighbour's. Houses
have been broken into all around me.

I've caught guys sticking needles in their arms on the trail while children
were walking through. And a gentleman was so nice as to shoot up in front
of three school kids.

My daughter has come across people suffering withdrawals in Cat Stream trail.

I have contacted everyone - RCMP, Crimestoppers and found there is no help
for people dealing with drug houses in their neighbourhoods.

I am saddened by the world we live in. The RCMP have told myself as well
others in the neighbourhood because this hit the media they can do nothing
now we have blown their cover.

They come by once or twice a day but that is all. And when we call for help
they show up an hour or more later.

I have hung a big sign from my porch: "Slow, drug house across street.'
Buyers don't want to park out front anymore so they park down the street
and walk in.

Everyone is getting very angry and there is mutterings of vigilantism
towards this house, as the RCMP won't do anything to help. It's starting to
look like a war zone with barricades and tree branches to stop people from
disturbing families.

You ask "What powers do police and neighbourhoods need to control drug
houses?" I honestly don't know the answer to that question,but I can tell
you it's the addicts who are controlling the RCMP and neighbourhoods right now.

We are now discussing putting our dream on the market and taking our
businesses to a smaller town. I have given up. The addicts win and I can't
take any more.

The sign is coming down and the addicts can have it all. I'm tired and
there are no options for this to get any better.

Barbara Huggins,
Nanaimo