Pubdate: Sun, 01 Sep 2002
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2002 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.fyicalgary.com/calsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Stephen Lock
Note: Parenthetical remark by the Sun editor, headline by newshawk
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v02/n1599/a07.html

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.)
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens