TIME TO STAND UP FOR FREEPORT

The issue: Merchandise identified by police as drug paraphernalia is
available at Freeport stores.

Our view: Time for community activism

Is Freeport committed to eliminating the scourge of drug abuse?
Monday this newspaper published a story identifying three local
stores, all in the Third Ward, selling what police consider drug paraphernalia.

Small glass tubes, often referred to as "stems," were identified by
police as common tools for people who smoke crack cocaine. Also on
sale, again from behind the counter, were other items used for
filtering, weighing and using illicit drugs.

Police voiced frustration that the stocking and sale of the items is
beyond the reach of local authorities.

Definition of drug paraphernalia is beyond the law, unless the
merchandise in question cannot be used for any other purpose. Because
the items in question are not exclusively for drug use, this
merchandise is still on sale at local stores.

What recourse do local residents have to discourage the easy
availability of these "tools of the trade?"

In other communities, including Chicago, residents have taken matters
into their own hands. A spokesman for the Chicago Police, Pat Camden
said the department, and community recognize the problems such items pose.

"When it comes to drug paraphernalia the community as well as they
police are very active," he said.

"If it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it's a duck. Arose in
a glass tube is a crack pipe."

Similar efforts are needed in Freeport.

Crack cocaine and other illicit drugs are destructive forces in the
community. Many personal experiences right here in Freeport are
evidence of ruined lives, ruined relationships and criminal activity
tied directly to illegal narcotics.

This is not just a Third Ward problem, even though the stores found
selling these items were all located in that district. This is a
community problem, with community consequences. It is not incumbent
on only residents in the Third Ward to take action on this issue. It
is incumbent on all of us.

It's time to stand up and stand together, Freeport.