LASHING OUT AGAINST CRIME

Calgary's Chinese community is lashing out against crime after one of its
small children became entangled in the seedy world of drugs.

Police blame fear and a language barrier for the low rate of crime being
reported within Calgary's Chinese community.

And leaders in the tight-knit community say the spectre of revenge stops
many, who are worried reporting a crime might bring repercussions.

"People are frightened. They think people in the neighbourhood might
identify them and they fear revenge," Jacob Au, executive director of the
Calgary Chinese Community Services Association, said.

Au is working with police hoping new programs and services will change all
that.

One remedy being considered is a form residents can fill in to anonymously
report a crime to police.

And a series of seminars is being planned for the Chinese community to
teach them how to identify symptoms of crime, drug abuse, and how parents
can improve communication with their children about the dangers of drugs.

"We want to work with parents to teach them how to recognize signs of drug
abuse," said police Chinatown Liaison officer Const. Sean Chu, who works
tirelessly to monitor crime on the streets of Calgary's Chinatown.

"Many of them don't speak English and don't know what to do when it comes
to reporting crime."

Veteran Calgary police officers were shocked last week to find a young boy
acting as a drug "mule" for a suspected crack dealer.

Yesterday, Alberta Children's Services representatives initiated a court
application for temporary guardianship of the boy and his two younger siblings.

Meanwhile, advocates for Calgary's Chinese are battling to keep the kids at
home.

"We can help them -- we want to help them," Au said, adding in numerous
attempts so far, the parents have refused his organization's help.

"If it's money they need, we can help raise that for them.

"If they ask for our help, we can certainly think of something."

The three children were taken into custody after the cocaine bust.

But yesterday's hearing was adjourned and will resume at a future date.

Media have been banned from reporting any submissions or evidence in the case.

One year younger than initially reported, the boy is actually seven years old.

At this time, his parents continue to live with the man accused of
supplying him with the drugs.

The young boy was caught Aug. 23 with $300 in crack cocaine in his possession.

No charges have been laid against the parents, but the police investigation
is continuing.

Kieng Nhuan Tran, 26, has been charged with two counts of possession of
drugs for the purpose of trafficking and one count of breach of recognizance.

Tran will be back in court Sept. 16.

Chinese-speaking Calgarians can report crime and speak to police in their
own language by calling 974-0532.