ENDERBY CRACKS DOWN ON DRUG HOUSES

Police Are Being Given New Tools To Shut Down Drug Houses In Enderby.

Council gave three readings Monday to a property remediation bylaw
that would allow the RCMP and bylaw officers to close a house if it's
been used for selling drugs, a grow-op or the making of illegal drugs.

"Hopefully with this tool, they shouldn't get out of control," said
Mayor Sue Phillips of the need for the bylaw.

Council decided to act after discussions with the RCMP.

"We'd like to do what ever we can do to aid them," said Phillips.

The major thrust for the bylaw appears to be an incident in mid-June
where several types of controlled drugs were found inside a
residential suite in the 1100 block of George Street.

One individual faces charges of trafficking a controlled substance
and being unlawfully in possession of a controlled substance, while
another individual is charged with being in possession of a
controlled substance.

Insp. Steve McVarnock, with the North Okanagan RCMP, welcomes the
actions of city council.

"They have specific drug problems at certain locations," he said.

While drugs are an issue in communities of all sizes, McVarnock
believes the problem may be more visible in places like Enderby
because everyone generally knows each other.

"In a smaller community, it's difficult for people to see this
continue," he said.

"Nobody likes having a crack shack in their neighbourhood."

Enderby's bylaw has been based on similar regulations in Vernon,
Lumby and Spallumcheen.

"It's been useful in those communities," said Phillips.

The bylaw must still be adopted by Enderby council.