Pubdate: Wed, 24 Nov 2004
Source: Huron Expositor, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004 The Huron Expositor
Contact:  http://www.seaforthhuronexpositor.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2183
Author: Susan Hundertmark

WE CAN HELP POLICE FIGHT STREET DRUGS IN SEAFORTH

The bad news is that even in Seaforth, street drugs are readily
available to anyone who wants them.

The good news is that parents, grandparents and interested citizens
packed town hall's council chambers last week to educate themselves
about the problem.

Huron OPP Const. Dave Gillan shocked the crowd at a recent drug
awareness meeting of the Community Policing committee saying that he
knows where crack cocaine could be bought that night in Seaforth.

"I'm not trying to scare people but it's out there," he said, adding
that it is not just a "big city drug."

And, although Seaforth residents are not so naive to believe that
small town Ontario is immune to the dangers and temptations of larger
urban centres, it's still an eye-opener to hear just how many
varieties of drugs are being used and abused and created in our own
backyards.

While local farmers have been well educated recently by local police
about how to spot the signs if their fields are being used by bold and
enterprising marijuana growers, parents might not be so well-versed
about the telltale signs if their own children are experimenting and
developing dangerous habits.

Since drug houses are becoming more and more common, even in small
town and rural neighbourhoods, it's valuable to know that local
citizens can help police by keeping track of the increased traffic
that signals a thriving illegal business operation.

As Gillan points out, "If the house looks like a Tim Hortons and they
don't have a sign out front - they're not selling coffee - I can tell
you that."

Helping the local police stop the sale of street drugs will only help
reduce local crime and contribute to a safer community for all.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Derek