MORE JAIL TIME FOR DEALERS

Re: Aug. 28 Editorial: "Agonizing tale."

While I agree with the view the situation involving the eight-year-old boy
selling crack cocaine is despicable, and severe penalties need to be levied
against all adults involved in this crime, I must say it was only a matter
of time before something like this happened.

As founder and chairman of the Boardwalk Plaza Tenants' Committee, I and
other tenants have been struggling for nearly a year to bring attention to
the issue of drug dealing in our area and, by extension, the downtown area
generally.

In our Beltline neighbourhood, residents deal with blatant drug dealing,
prostitution and the occasional brawl on a daily, and nightly basis, with
most of the drug-dealing occurring right across the street from our
building and in front of a convenience store. I have called the police up
to six times a night.

That Kieng Nhuan Tran was released on bail the following day and not
charged with child endangerment or other charges apart from the possession
and breach of recognizance, speaks to one of the more frustrating aspects
of our justice system. Following the arrest of dealers along our street, I
repeatedly see the same individuals dealing on the same corner a few days
later. When asked, several officers told me there was nothing they can do.
It was implied judges do not see drug trafficking as a "serious" crime,
especially if the amount found on the dealer is relatively small.

It is time the courts sent a clear message. Drug dealing will get you
serious prison time. And the child? His own mother is more interested in
the money she makes from renting to an (alleged) drug dealer, who allegedly
involved her own son in his trade, than she is in the well-being of her child.

Children's Services should ensure she never gets custody of those children
again. Ever.

Stephen Lock

(An appalling incident.)