DRUG-FREE ZONE REQUESTED

Council is referring a recommendation from RCMP S/Sgt Grant Martin to its
community policing committee, not to designate NOOPA as an official drug
free zone.

In a letter to council Martin said he received a request from NOOPA and
neighbouring merchants for a drug free zone in the area of the youth centre.
But Martin said he felt the request should be turned down.

"It (the youth centre) only involves a few number of youth compared to 1,000
students in high school areas," Martin said. "By allowing signage in the
NOOPA area I feel will only lead to other requests ie: the arena, skateboard
park, etc. This would lessen the impact we presently have in the high school
areas."

He said the current legislation (Section 10 of the Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act) allows for stiffer penalties for those convicted of drug
related crimes when violence is used or threatened, or possession or
trafficking in drugs in or near a school, or in or near any other public
place usually frequented by persons under the age of 18.

"In areas such as NOOPA we can invoke these measures with or without it
being declared a drug free zone."

Martin also said he advised his summer policing unit to make as many patrols
as possible in the downtown, NOOPA area.