Pubdate: Sun, 12 Mar 2006
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Richard Rolke

CITY CONTEMPLATES DRUG CRACKDOWN

It could become illegal in Vernon to possess crack pipes, bongs or
other utensils of the drug trade.

RCMP will make a pitch to council Monday to launch a drug
paraphernalia bylaw. It would regulate the possession, sale and use of
instruments for illicit drug activity.

"We're talking about crack pipes, roach clips, hypodermics and bongs
(water pipes)," said Staff Sgt. Randy Rogers, with the RCMP.

If council agrees to the bylaw, police could issue municipal tickets
to offenders.

"It's one more tool to deal with people involved in illicit drug use.
It will help us restore streets and parks to the public," he said.

Under federal legislation, police must actually find drugs before
taking action. That often proves restrictive in terms of
enforcement.

"This kicks it up a notch to a city bylaw so it's an offence to have
the paraphernalia items," said Rogers, adding abandoned needles are a
safety risk in parks and beaches.

Similar bylaws are in place in other communities.

"Kelowna bylaw officers report the new bylaw has so far been
successful and about 50 municipal tickets are issued every month,"
said Const. Sherri Bentley, in a report to council.

"While it is not realistic to believe a new drug paraphernalia bylaw
would solve Vernon's drug problem, we are hopeful that a new hurdle
placed on the existing drug culture would be a positive step in
working toward a lower crime rate in our community."

The bylaw would make it illegal for local businesses to sell
paraphernalia, but that could prove a challenge for some merchants who
market pipes.

Rogers admits that pipes can be used for tobacco or marijuana, and
officers would have to consider the residue to determine whether an
illegal substance is being used.

"They (tobacco pipes) are not as efficient for using
hash."

The RCMP's proposal has the support of Coun. Barry
Beardsell.

"Any assistance we can give to the police to get control back from the
drug scene is a good thing," said Beardsell. 
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