Pubdate: Sat, 24 Dec 2005 Source: Chronicle Herald (CN NS) Copyright: 2005 The Halifax Herald Limited Contact: http://thechronicleherald.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180 Author: Cathy Von Kintzel Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) INDIAN BROOK TARGETS DRUG PROBLEM INDIAN BROOK -- Crack cocaine dealers here have every reason to feel a little paranoid these days. The RCMP and an increasing number of fed-up residents of this First Nations community are joining forces to crack down on drug addictions that are fuelling property crimes, violence, suicide and despair. Chief Alex McDonald wants to ban drugs from the reserve altogether and expel convicted dealers for at least a year. "The drugs they're selling are hurting their own people," Chief McDonald said this week, his voice taking on an angry edge. "We have a serious pill, needle, crack cocaine and heavy drug problem here. We've tried different programs but we need to be more strict." The chief said he raised the idea of a drug moratorium with the band council in the past. Although he didn't get approval, he's not giving up hope. "The people want to get rid of the drugs," he said, blaming the worsening situation in part on a few people who got out of prison a few years ago and brought the drug culture to the community of 1,200. He's also angry with doctors who he says write too many inappropriate prescriptions. "When I was a young fellow in Shubie we didn't have this trouble. You could leave your doors open, but not anymore." There have been at least three high-profile raids and arrests in Indian Brook in the past two months. The first was in November when 25-year-old Timothy Lawrence Nevin was sentenced to two years in penitentiary for possessing crack for trafficking. "That motivated a lot of people to come forward and recognize something can be done in the community," said Sgt. Darren Malcolm, head of the Indian Brook RCMP detachment. "It's really making a fairly dramatic difference. The crack supply in the community has been much more dry in the past couple of weeks." This week, 19-year-old Drew Phillip Maloney was charged with possessing crack for trafficking and will be back in court in January. And a Dec. 9 raid resulted in the arrests of four people. They haven't been charged but the investigation continues. Sgt. Malcolm said the community is trying to take back control and the campaign is gaining momentum. The force is getting a record number of tips from the public, he said. Sgt. Malcolm was enthusiastic when he talked about a recent Addictions Week rally attended by 100 people who paraded through the community shouting "Say No to Crack!" Police and community leaders are trying to balance enforcement with educating young people about the dangers of drugs. Historically the RCMP detachment here has had five officers, but the increase in crimes associated with substance abuse drove that number to seven. Sgt. Malcolm, who has been here for 18 months, said substance abuse appears to be a symptom of other issues, be they physical and sexual abuse or violence. "There's a lot of pain and suffering here. It's up to the community to have a hard look at itself and ask why so many people are turning to drugs and harming themselves." The sergeant said the community should be proud of itself for helping police. "The message to the people who want to sell crack is you're taking a chance. If you sell, there's a good chance you'll get caught and go to jail." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin