Pubdate: Thu, 14 May 2009
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2009 Abbotsford News
Contact: http://drugsense.org/url/BkAJKrUD
Website: http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Rochelle Baker

CHIEF WARNS ABBOTSFORD TEENS DEALING DRUGS THEY ARE POTENTIAL TARGETS

Teens involved in petty drug dealing could be targets in the ongoing 
war between the UN and Red Scorpions gangs, warns Abbotsford Police 
Chief Bob Rich.

Looking to save kids involved in the street level drug trade from 
becoming victims in the region's gang war, Abbotsford Police have set 
up a youth help line, Rich announced at Matsqui Centennial Auditorium Thursday.

All four of the young men recently murdered in Abbotsford were 
selling drugs at a low level, and all four were considered associated 
with the Red Scorpions, Rich stated.

Rich stressed their links to the Bacon brothers or the upper echelon 
of the Red Scorpions was "distant and tenuous" at best.

"But it appears other gangs not successful in targeting the upper 
levels of the Bacon association are now targeting people at any 
level," said Rich.

"It's a warning to all young people who are dealing drugs. You need 
to get out and you need to get out now."

The dynamics of the drug wars among gangs have changed, said Rich.

Women and teens selling drugs at the lowest levels have become 
legitimate targets, and gangs don't care if they put innocent 
civilians at risk.

That assertion is only a working theory, Rich noted.

There are a "handful" of kids in the community that are risk, and 
that form a network throughout the community's schools.

"This is a public warning about the specific and serious risk for 
some of the young people in our community," said Rich, flanked by 
Mayor George Peary and Abbotsford Board of Education chair Cindy Schafer.

The new Abbotsford Police Youth Help Line will field calls from those 
who are dealing drugs but want to break free, or those who are 
concerned about a family member or friend.

The pamphlets will be handed out by the school board, which will use 
the opportunity to talk to kids about the dangers of getting involved 
in the drug trade.

Mayor Peary said Rich and the police department were taking an 
unprecedented step in warning high school-aged youth.

"The potential for danger [ in the drug trade] is very high. We don't 
want any more [deaths]," said Peary. "We will mobilize as a community 
to stop this."

The help line is also being sponsored by the city and Abbotsford 
School District.

Schafer took the opportunity to send a message to students of District 34.

"If you need help or are concerned about a friend, approach an adult 
you trust and get help."

She encouraged parents to take a proactive approach and question what 
their kids are doing, where they are going, and who their friends are.

"As parents we endeavour to keep our kids health and safe. Be 
involved in your kids' lives."

The APD Youth Help Line number is 604-864-4787.

For more information visit the City of Abbotsford, Abbotsford School 
District and Abbotsford Police Department websites.
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