Pubdate: Fri, 17 Aug 2007
Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2007 The Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352
Author: Stacie Snow
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

ENDERBY COUNCIL ADOPTS 'CRACK SHACK' BYLAW

Enderby council adopted a bylaw that will help RCMP hold homeowners 
responsible for drug activity on their property.

"This is a tool for the RCMP to gain access to drug houses," said 
Enderby Mayor Sue Phillips.

"They now have a leg to stand on when they feel negative activities 
are taking place in the area, specifically drug-related offenses."

Property Remediation Bylaw No. 1401 was passed unanimously during the 
council meeting on Monday.

The bylaw states: "The use of any property as a controlled substance 
property is hereby deemed to constitute the carrying on of a noxious 
or offensive trade, business or manufacture, and no person, owner, or 
occupant of property shall cause, permit, or allow any property to 
become or remain a place for the trade, business, or manufacture of a 
controlled substance."

The bylaw gives authorities the right to cut off the supply of 
electricity, water or natural gas to a property until all elements of 
the course of action recommended by the certified professional to 
eliminate such hazardous situations are taken.

If a resident is found in violation of the bylaw they will be 
required to pay the service costs incurred by or on behalf of the 
RCMP in the disassembly, removal, transportation, storage, and 
disposal of equipment, substance, materials, and other paraphernalia 
associated with such trade, business, or manufacture.

Phillips said that a recent bust prompted the speedy implementation 
of the bylaw.

"If this had been in place, it may have helped them get on the 
situation sooner," she said.

On June 8, RCMP officers executed a search of a residential suite in 
the 1100 block of George Street under the Controlled Drugs and 
Substances Act and arrested two individuals on drug-related charges 
for the possession of cocaine and magic mushrooms.

"This bylaw puts more onus on the property owner to be responsible 
for what is going on in their home," said Phillips.

"Anything that makes the RCMP's job easier, I am totally in support of."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman