JAILING METH DEALERS

Re: Criminalizing drugs doesn't work (NEWS letters, Aug. 28).

In her letter of Aug. 28th, Corrine Arthur provides her rationale as
to why producers of crystal meth should not be jailed. She makes some
valid points as far as her logic goes, however she completely
overlooks a whole other world out there.

The producers and wholesale distributors of crystal meth are not
necessarily poor addicts trying to eke out their next fix. They are
not homeless or victims. They are criminals who are profiting from
creating victims. They promote property crimes and their illegal labs
are extremely dangerous. They prey on the very people Ms. Arthur wants
to help.

It is these criminals that I believe should be facing serious prison
time, and no further bail if they reoffend while on bail. I have
requested the public assist by signing petitions that are now being
distributed in retail outlets.

The Meadow Ridge Rotary initiative recognizes that the community needs
to come together to find community solutions for the problem. All
levels of government need to be included. Maple Ridge has formed three
task forces: enforcement, treatment, and education. This threat can
only be conquered with a program that combines all three and I
completely support that.

I am not however prepared to turn a blind eye to those who would seek
to addict others for profit. I am not prepared to simply say jail does
not work and I am certainly not prepared to accept that a mild slap on
the wrist for crystal meth lab operators is enough.

Therefore, I will continue to push for mandatory prison sentences for
those who would produce this poison and I hope others will agree. I
will also continue to support all other community initiatives to
educate, treat, and eliminate this and other addictive drug problems
from our midst.

Randy Hawes, MLA

Maple Ridge-Mission