CRACKING DOWN ON DRUG TRADE

Mayors Want Clean Streets

Drug-addled users and pushers being punted from Edmonton have no place on
Calgary streets because we have similar problems of our own, says Mayor
Dave Bronconnier.

"(Edmonton mayor) Bill Smith doesn't want them in his city and I don't want
them in Calgary either," he said of Smith's pledge earlier this week to
drive druggies out of Edmonton -- a move which could see those in the trade
travel to other cities.

"We already have an influx (of drug activity) here and it appears to be a
growing trend," Bronconnier said, blaming the increase on our strong economy.

Calgary Police Association president Al Koenig agreed, saying many drive-by
shootings, robberies and gang-related violence of late have ties to the
drug underworld.

"In the past couple of years, we have seen an increase in all crimes,
notably ones involving drugs. When you have a booming city, the dope
dealers will follow," he said.

Acting on similar problems in Edmonton, Smith on Friday also challenged
Edmontonians to take a more active role in the fight against illegal drugs.

"This is an Alberta problem, not just an Edmonton problem," he stated
during a meeting with 30 other mayors across northern Alberta who share his
concerns.

But Koenig said that while civilians are an excellent resource for cops
hunting down those in the drug trade, too much vigilance poses a danger.

"It's great to have those extra eyes and ears but I would caution people
against taking the law into their own hands," he said.

Both Koenig and Bronconnier said that despite a noticeable increase in
drug-related incidents here, police are doing a good job attacking the trade.

"Calgary police have taken an aggressive approach," said Bronconnier,
noting some of that success can be credited to Calgarians who tip off the
police when they see suspicious activities in their neighbourhood.

"Drugs are starting to become more prevalent, particularly in the city
core, and we'll continue to take an aggressive stand against it," he said.

Police are hoping their efforts will be complemented by a provincial
anti-gang group, while efforts continue on curbing gang recruitment and
preventing people from getting involved in the trade.

"We will make a dent," said Mike Bradsaw, Edmonton's deputy police chief.

"Some of these people will get a rude awakening one of these days, when
they find that the police are knocking on their doors, because as yet
they've remained unscathed and untouched. But their time is coming."