Pubdate: Tue, 28 Sep 2004 Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2004 Williams Lake Tribune Contact: http://www.wltribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226 DRUG-FREE ZONE REQUESTED Council is referring a recommendation from RCMP S/Sgt Grant Martin to its community policing committee, not to designate NOOPA as an official drug free zone. In a letter to council Martin said he received a request from NOOPA and neighbouring merchants for a drug free zone in the area of the youth centre. But Martin said he felt the request should be turned down. "It (the youth centre) only involves a few number of youth compared to 1,000 students in high school areas," Martin said. "By allowing signage in the NOOPA area I feel will only lead to other requests ie: the arena, skateboard park, etc. This would lessen the impact we presently have in the high school areas." He said the current legislation (Section 10 of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act) allows for stiffer penalties for those convicted of drug related crimes when violence is used or threatened, or possession or trafficking in drugs in or near a school, or in or near any other public place usually frequented by persons under the age of 18. "In areas such as NOOPA we can invoke these measures with or without it being declared a drug free zone." Martin also said he advised his summer policing unit to make as many patrols as possible in the downtown, NOOPA area. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh