Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Tim Fitzgerald

ARMSTRONG TAKES ACTION ON DRUG HOUSES

The City of Armstrong is going to ask North Okanagan Shuswap School
District for their help to crack down on drug houses in the community.

The municipality is hoping the school district will consider making
areas surrounding local schools "drug-free zones" that would give
police more clout when dealing with the growing problem of drug houses
in the community.

The issue came to light in Armstrong after a pair of concerned
citizens approached council looking for help in dealing with what
appears to be drug houses in their neighbourhoods.

Armstrong Coun. John Trainor, who sits on the city's greater Armstrong
committee, said discussions with the citizens and the RCMP have
resulted in the new approach.

"This may be one small way to help the RCMP remove this problem from
the community," said Trainor.

Under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, the "drug-free zone"
allows the courts to impose stiffer penalties for those caught.

Coun. Pat Hudson said anything that the city can do to help honest
citizens take back their neighbourhoods is a step in the right
direction. "It would be another tool in the pocket of the RCMP, and
they are struggling to find tools," said Hudson.

Trainor agreed, saying in meetings with the RCMP, it is not as simple
as walking up to suspects and slapping handcuffs on them. He said the
RCMP indicated a proper paper trail must be followed if they hope to
have charges stick.

The concern in Armstrong comes on the heels of a similar problem in
Vernon. Concerned Mission Hill residents have asked the city to help
with an alleged drug house in their neighbourhood.

Vernon city council has passed a bylaw under the controlled substances
property redemption bylaw that would see a property deemed to be
involved in drug activities could have its electricity, water and
natural gas turned off.

Utilities would not be restored until the property cleaned up and
inspected and the property owners have paid associated fees.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin