Pubdate: Sun, 18 Jun 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: Tim Fitzgerald
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

ARMSTRONG BYLAW LEADS TO FIRST BUST OF DRUG HOUSE

Armstrong's First Crack Down On Alleged Drug Houses Is Garnering The 
Praises Of The Mayor.

RCMP raided a home on Murray Drive Tuesday, seizing a significant 
amount of drugs and cash. Two people have been charged.

Mayor Jerry Oglow believes it's a good start to a growing concern in 
the city, as well as around the province.

"This is something Armstrong residents have been demanding," said Oglow.

"The RCMP are doing what they can to bring this scourge under control 
and we are 100 per cent behind them."

The city enacted the Controlled Substances Property Remediation Bylaw 
in September 2005, following a similar campaign in Vernon to control 
the rising number of drug houses popping up within its borders.

Under the bylaw, any home in the city being used for the production 
or sale of narcotics can have their water, gas and electricity cut 
off. Occupants and home owners will face fines of up to $5,000.

Before any utilities are turned back on occupants will have to obtain 
a special safety inspection from the City of Armstrong, costing 
between $250 to $500. Additional fees can be charged by suppliers of 
electricity, water and gas.

Oglow said the bylaw is not the perfect solution to the drug problem 
but it does afford the community the ability to shut down known drug 
houses and impose significant fines.

"I know anything else my council can do to lead the charge on this 
terrible dug issue - we will take action," said Oglow.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom