DRUG PRODUCERS ARE CRIMINALS WHO ARE PROFITING FROM CREATING VICTIMS

Editor, The Record:

In his letter of Aug. 6, Mr. Randy Cairns writes that programs for street
people and addicts are the solutions for the crystal meth problem. He makes
some valid points as far as his logic goes, however, he 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 and
they are not 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 Mr. Cairns wants to help.

They promote their product by offering it free to new and first time users.
They want to find new customers in our schools and our homes. They target
our kids.

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 Maple Ridge 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.

In the next month or so there will be a community forum on crystal meth in
Mission. It will seek input toward a local solution. I hope Mr. Cairns will
bring his ideas forward then, but in the interim, I will continue to urge
public support to remove the criminals producing this plague from our
community by signing the petitions.

Randy Hawes
Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Mission