HOUSE FRUSTRATES NEIGHBOURS

A poster identifying a house in central Maple Ridge as a crack den was
posted on a hedge at the property Wednesday by frustrated neighbours.

The home on 117th Avenue near Ridge Meadows Hospital was raided by
RCMP in March last year after neighbours provided investigators with
crucial tips.

Police arrested three women and two men at the house alleged to be the
base of a dial-a-dope operation.

A pound of pure rock cocaine, a large zip-lock bag of marijuana,
packaged crack cocaine, powered cocaine, ecstasy and pharmaceutical
drugs -- including Tylenol 3 -- were found during last year's raid.

Also seized was a large amount of 'flaps' -- folded paper, in this
case, Lotto number sheets -- used to package powered drugs like
cocaine and heroin.

Police found $3,000 in cash, as well, and estimate the street value of
the all drugs at $100,000.

In plain view were three weapons and ammunition -- a .22 calibre Cooey
rifle, a Chinese assault rifle-bayonet and a palm-sized .22-calibre
Beretta.

At the time, Travis Annett, 22, was charged with two counts of
possession for the purpose of trafficking and two counts of careless
storage of a firearm in connection with the raid.

In January, new information was sworn leading to the charges being
altered to seven counts of possession for the purpose of trafficking
and two counts of careless storage of a firearm.

RCMP Cpl. Ryan Schlecker wasn't pleased to hear about Wednesday's
stunt by neighbours.

"We don't promote vigilantism," he said.

"There can be a risk of physical harm. We don't want neighbours to
take matters into their own hands. They are not trained to deal with
situations like this that is what we are there for."

Schlecker added that RCMP are "aware" of the home but wouldn't say if
the tenants are being investigated again.

The rental property continues to frustrate neighbours.

The constant traffic scares a woman with young children who lives
nearby.

A block watch and regular surveillance by police has failed to stop
the alleged drug deals.

The sign which said "we sell crack, heroin, E [ecstasy]... we ruin
lifes" didn't stop the constant comings and going on Wednesday, she
said. "I counted 12 people that morning," she added.

The neighbourhood with its dead-end streets is a playground for young
children, said the woman.

"It irritates me. I wish they would do it where there were no
kids."

A trial date for Annett, the only man charged in connection with last
year's raid, is set for June.