Pubdate: Tue, 11 Oct 2016
Source: Intelligencer, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2016, The Belleville Intelligencer
Contact: http://www.intelligencer.ca/letters
Website: http://www.intelligencer.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2332
Author: Jason Miller
Page: A3

DISCARDED DRUG PARAPHERNALIA FOUND IN PARK

Louis Hopper is appalled by a startling discovery he made in a park
space near his Montrose Road subdivision.

Hopper found a section of a Montrose Road-area park littered with drug
paraphernalia during a routine walk in the neighbourhood with his dog
Friday.

"I show up and there is bloody Kleenexes all in a pile, about five or
six syringes on the ground, a rubber band and spoons to heat up
drugs," he said. "They were just thrown there on the ground."

The unsettling find was highly disturbing for Hopper, who said it's a
park heavily used by youngsters in the area who could have harmed
themselves if they had come into contact with the items.

"It's disturbing, just because of how close it is to children," said
Hopper, adding that he has found similar items in other parts of the
residential area.

"Now, the new place to hide at night is the park, because there is a
long driveway off the road and into the park."

Hopper informed the police and said the paraphernalia was cleaned up.
He said aside from the risk of leaving the dangerous objects in a
public space, it also sheds light on drug use in the area.

"I've seen what it can do to families," said Hopper, who attests to
having relatives who use a variety of hard drugs. He urges users to
try and get some help but also to use some common sense.

"If you're going to use, just throw the stuff in the garbage or keep
it in your car," Hopper said. "Don't put the safety of people at risk.
The residents need to pay attention and be vigilant."
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MAP posted-by: Matt