HELP FIGHT DRUG PROBLEM

Drugs are a problem everywhere these days. Whatever the perception
used to be about the likelihood of find drugs in small towns, they're
to be found in communities across Alberta and Canada. They're here in
Vulcan County communities, that's for sure. And they're not going away, either.

Cpl. Larry Wiltshire has stated that the problem is no worse than
other jurisdictions where he has served. We believe him. And again,
he's not trying to dismiss the problem, but rather put it in
perspective. Still though, it is an issue for the local detachment.

So we know there's a problem. Recently, local churches have spoken
out about it. They're concerned about how it affects not only the
people addicted to alcohol, cocaine, crystal meth and other
substances, but how it tears apart families and communities.

Rev. Gordon Cranch of St. Aldheim's Anglican Church got fed up with
it affecting the lives of a few of his pariosioners and their
families. While he has a small congregation, he extrapolates that his
colleagues must be encountering it more than he does.

The churches feel that it is their responsibility to speak out on the
drug addiction that is occurring in Vulcan County.

As they note in a letter to local councils: "The ripple effect of
drug use tears families apart, bankrupts businesses, (and) results in
vandalism, property damage, theft, abuse and so many more crimes."

We applaud them for tackling a very difficult issue. Illegal drugs
are not easy to get rid of, and there is no easy cure -- or even a
cure at all -- for addictions. As Cpl. Wiltshire noted, it will take
the entire community to solve it. The RCMP, a small detachment of
four officers covering a very large area, need the eyes and ears of
its residents to help take down the drug dealers. The RCMP intend to
run drug awareness meetings, and we encourage people to attend.
Wiltshire is hoping to get those meetings set up for February in
communities throughout its coverage area.

We're never going to get rid of the drug trade, but any progress
might just save one family, or maybe even more, from going through
emotional heartache and financial disaster. Cranch also said this on
behalf of the churches, that they just want to help out in some way,
and that's encouraging.

We just hope more community groups will now follow their lead.