Re: "Protect youth from dangerous marijuana, Aug. 20." Eric Myrholm parades the Institute for Social Research ( ISR ) stats on "smoking" without any regard that smoking can be avoided by either using a vaporizer or preparing cannabis as an edible. Myrholm then convolutes the matter even further by suggesting Canada should follow our neighbours to the south even though he neglects the fact American cannabis policy has been constantly under revision since the '70s. Even so, his neglecting to mention that America has the highest incarceration rates for cannabis in the world only highlights his need to cherry-pick fact to make an argument that doesn't hold water to begin with. [continues 210 words]
In his Aug. 12 letter, "Time to decriminalize weed," William Perry seems to feel that if the harmful drug marijuana was to be legalized, crime would be greatly reduced. Why am I so concerned about the dangerous drug marijuana? Members of the Institute for Social Research (ISR) have found "Substance abuse is still common at age 35, UM study finds. The odds of smoking at the age of 35 were more than 12 times higher for participants who used cigarettes during the month prior to their twelfth grade survey than for those who had never smoked by their senior year. The odds of smoking at age 35 were 42 times higher than for those who had never smoked by their senior year. Similar patterns were found for the use of marijuana and other illicit drugs. When compared to those who had not tried marijuana by the twelfth grade, individuals who had tried marijuana by the twelfth grade had eight times the odds of using marijuana at age 35." [continues 125 words]
Statistics Canada may name Abbotsford as Canada's murder capital, however, the entire province must share this honour. Why? Essentially because provincial anti-crime initiatives have failed. There are more illegal drugs and weapons on the streets, more gangs and members, less convictions with less individuals behind bars. All the money thrown at special units such as anti-gang units, etc. have little to show for the multi-millions of dollars spent each year. Isn't it time to decriminalize weed? Like online gambling and alcohol, the government could generate billions, redirecting resources to fight addictions which will end the drug trade. Enforcement's focus would change, and B.C. would make substantial gains against crime. William Perry [end]
Abbotsford Police obtained a search warrant to check out a home on Lobban Road for a suspected grow-op based on closed blinds, condensation on the windows, and hoses that appeared to be leading into the residence as well as the smell of marijuana. The Abbotsford News has obtained a copy of the "information to obtain a search warrant" that is connected to the family who has launched an official complaint against the Abbotsford Police Department. Connie and Ken Fast allege police wrongfully detained them - as well as their daughter Tracie and her fiance Scott Richardson - while searching their home at 2374 Lobban Rd. on July 4. [continues 384 words]
Connie and Ken Fast were looking through holiday pictures with their daughter Tracie and her fiance Scott Richardson on Sunday night when there was a insistent knock on the front door of their Abbotsford home. Connie looked out the window and saw about a dozen police officers gathered on their property at the corner of Loban and McKenzie roads. "This has to be some kind of joke," Connie said. She assumed Ken's boss, who is known as a bit of a prankster, had arranged something. [continues 528 words]
The criminal justice system is often referred to as a revolving door. For repeat offenders, it's an apt description. If they do get jail time, many are back in court shortly after getting out, and the cycle is repeated, much to the frustration of police, and the public. Behind the pattern is usually a drug habit, as illustrated through the case of Stella Wallace, in this edition of The News. The chronic shoplifter's story is one that is shared by many other prolific offenders. [continues 208 words]
Council is currently rethinking its opposition to supporting a needle exchange. While I can understand the initial desire to distance themselves from anything that may be interpreted as supporting drug addiction, in that 'distancing' the community distances itself from the addict who cries for help every time he or she seeks a fix. Apart from reducing the risk of contracting hepatitis C or HIV, a needle exchange is an opportunity to make at least some contact and offer help without judgment should the addict be at the point of asking, but without that contact there is no opportunity. [continues 63 words]
The fact that a significant portion of youth have tried drugs is not a big revelation. The reasons for that are another matter. According to the Centre for Addictions Research of B.C., a 2008 report cited that 78 per cent of youth have tried alcohol, 50 per cent have done marijuana and 40 per cent used tobacco before they turned 18. While the majority of those people will never develop serious problems, some inevitably will. New Direction, a program for local high schools, is designed to help young people who are dealing with drug use issues. [continues 384 words]
From working directly with homeless people for the past several years around Abbotsford and Mission, both as a volunteer visiting people in their tent cities or cardboard boxes and currently as a shelter worker, I am very familiar with the plight these very vulnerable members of society face. Mission has made great strides in helping homeless in our community such as the Haven in the Hollow Shelter and new Grant Street Lodge where people can live in independent suites but have access to trained mental health workers and other support staff. [continues 318 words]
Marijuana advocate Tim Felger no sooner began getting ready to set up shop in Mission than the police came calling. Felger, who was evicted from his Da Kine store in Abbotsford in early April, was visited by Mission RCMP on Saturday morning after they received a report of the smell of marijuana in the 33000 block of North Railway Avenue. He said he was in the area with some "supporters" fixing up a space he hopes to turn into an office if he can obtain the required occupancy permits. [continues 210 words]
While Abbotsford's harm reduction bylaw prevents needle exchanges in the city, Fraser Health believes that programs it funds in Chilliwack, Surrey and New Westminster help reduce disease and health costs. The Pacific Community Resource Society (PCRS) runs a mobile van exchange program serving the area from Chilliwack to Boston Bar. When it first began, it was at a fixed location but after businesses complained it was decided to take it to the streets. It has worked "reasonably well" and there's support in the community, said David Portesi, Fraser Health director of health promotion and prevention. [continues 297 words]
While I share deep concern and compassion for people addicted to drugs, the long-term solution would not seem to be in providing free needles. There is a greater need to focus on the root of the problem, the addiction. Permanent help is available for many. By providing free needles we would seem to be "enablers" who assist addicts to continue in their addiction. Let's not blame council or expect them to solve all of our self-made problems. Let's support the best rehabilitation programs already in place, and that are seeking to address the root of the problem rather than simply putting band-aids on symptoms. Martha Janzen [end]
The question of the week should read, " Should the city be in step with national health policy, provincial health policy, Fraser Health policy and the B.C. Centre for Disease Control policy in regards to the city's efforts to reduce the spread of the most infectious diseases known to man, i.e. HIV/Aids and Hepatitis C, or, should the city ignore the policies and allow diseases to escalate so that Abby may become known as the 'Disease Capital of Canada'?" [continues 159 words]
The picture and report of the march on city hall by the drug addicts suggest the city is at fault for deaths within the ranks of the drug addicts. Sadly, the editorial in your paper tends to sympathize with their position. However, the facts are quite clear: The addicts started and continue to take illegal drugs on their own initiative and are involved in criminal activity to support their habit. They have no desire or intent to turn from their addiction and want the rest of society to contribute to their problems. [continues 210 words]
Abbotsford Has One of the Highest Rates of Hepatitis C in the Province. One of the most common ways hep C is contracted is through the use of shared needles by drug users. This city has a zoning bylaw that prohibits "harm reduction" facilities such as safe injection sites and needle exchanges. Could there be a correlation between those facts? Dr. John Farley, a local infectious disease specialist, would likely say yes. He was among speakers at a rally in Abbotsford Tuesday which focused attention on this city's restrictive policies relating to the spread of disease through shared needles. [continues 170 words]
A group of about 10 marched into city hall and into the bylaw enforcement office this afternoon, depositing on the counter three Ziploc bags and nine buckets filled with used hypodermic needles. They had been collected around Abbotsford, which does not have a drop-off site for used needles. The group included Barry Shantz and Dave Murray from the B.C./Yukon Association of Drug War Survivors. "We're wondering what we can do with these," Murray said to bylaw staff. "We figured we would take them here for you guys to deal with." [continues 411 words]
Two letter-writers recently expressed concerns that the self-appointed "Prince of Pot" extradition to the U.S. is sacrificing our sovereignty. My understanding is that this individual has illegally exported millions of dollars worth of marijuana seeds to the U.S. This would allow many Americans who are willing to break the law, to grow an illegal product. Should we not support our American cousins in controlling this illegal activity? Malmo-Levine also writes "cannabis is a herb that has never caused one overdose death or any withdrawal symptom or any form of cancer in 5,000 years of use." [continues 130 words]
Pot activist Tim Felger prolonged the eviction from his downtown Abbotsford store and was given one last warning to remove all his belongings on Wednesday. Felger initially had been told to clear out all his goods a week and a half ago, but he left much of them behind. On Wednesday, a bailiff stood watch as Felger hauled out cabinets, countertops, signs, desks and cases of canned food, which he would distribute to those who visited his Da Kine site. The items were piled onto the sidewalk outside the store at 33770 Essendene Ave. until they could be loaded into a moving van. [continues 114 words]
Re: Reaping what you sow has consequences The author has mistaken use and abuse. As Casanova put it: "In wise hands, poison is medicine. In foolish hands, medicine is poison." I'm guessing the author of the opinion column feels everyone in the world except doctors are too foolish to use these herbal medicines properly. Marc Emery's big crime, I suppose, was believing in a gardener's ability to use cannabis wisely. Given the fact cannabis is a herb that has never caused one overdose death or any withdrawal symptom or any form of cancer in 5,000 years of use, and given the fact a majority of Canadians agree with him, it can safely be said most of the people of this country are ready to be treated as adults who deserve dignity and autonomy. The war on drugs continues to take a heavy toll in wasted dollars and in wasted lives - thank goodness there are people like Marc Emery who risk jail time to bring the whole drug war nightmare to a halt. David Malmo-Levine [end]
Pot activist Tim Felger, who has been evicted from his Abbotsford location, has found a new place in Mission. Felger won't reveal the location of his new Da Kine "political office," but said he has had the site lined up for some time - before his battle over rent with Dan Banov, the owner of the Abbotsford building at 33770 Essendene Ave. "I was going to open another store anyway," Felger said. He said his eviction in Abbotsford simply sped up the process. Felger said he hasn't yet decided if he will apply for a business licence to sell goods from the Mission location. [continues 317 words]
Re: Reaping what you sow has consequences The author has mistaken use and abuse. As Casanova put it: "In wise hands, poison is medicine. In foolish hands, medicine is poison." I'm guessing the author of the opinion column feels everyone in the world except doctors are too foolish to use these herbal medicines properly. Marc Emery's big crime, I suppose, was believing in a gardener's ability to use cannabis wisely. Given the fact that cannabis is a herb that has never caused one overdose death or any withdrawal symptom or any form of cancer in 5,000 years of use, and given the fact that a majority of Canadians agree with him, it can safely be said that most of the people of this country are sick and tired of being treated as livestock, and are ready to be treated as adults who deserve dignity and autonomy. The war on drugs continues to take a heavy toll in wasted dollars and in wasted lives - thank goodness there are people like Marc Emery who risk jail time to bring the whole drug war nightmare to a halt. David Malmo-Levine [end]
Whether you agree or not with the decision to extradite Marc Emery to the U.S. to face marijuana distribution charges, it must be recognized that Emery knew what he was doing. He didn't call himself the Prince of Pot for nothing, and the millions he made selling marijuana seeds, particularly to American consumers, make it clear that financial success can be achieved at all levels of the business. The guys who flog the hydroponic chemicals that promote growth in the propagation of BC Bud, or who sell the grow lights have, along with Emery, managed to amass small fortunes without needing to step into the more dangerous side of the marijuana business. [continues 484 words]
Pot activist Tim Felger was forced out of his downtown Abbotsford store Tuesday afternoon, but he's not going willingly. Felger fought the eviction order when it was presented to him by a bailiff last Friday, sending the building's owner, Dan Banov, back to court Monday to have it reworded. The new document was presented Tuesday, and Felger had no grounds to fight it. He now has until Tuesday, March 23 to remove all his contents from Da Kine, located at 33770 Essendene Ave. [continues 245 words]
Security officers from Matsqui Institution in Abbotsford have met with neighbours to discuss concerns about people trespassing on residential properties to access the prison grounds. The concerns arose after a recent incident in which a farmer's fence line was cut open, allowing a package to be launched from an air gun and onto prison property. The package contained drugs, a cell phone and some tobacco. Officers have since spoken with local residents, inviting them to contact the institution if they observe any suspicious activity. [continues 63 words]
A campaign targeting gang associates and drug activity in the downtown core has resulted in Abbotsford Police issuing $18,000 in tickets since Sunday. Const. Ian MacDonald said Operation Lovestop is aimed at driving out the criminal element that has no business being in Abbotsford. "We don't want them to feel the love anymore," MacDonald said of the campaign's title. "If they have love for Abbotsford, we're not reciprocating." He said tickets have been issued for any infraction possible under the Motor Vehicle Act, the Liquor Control and Licensing Act, the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, and the Criminal Code. [continues 145 words]
Warning: Contains graphic content Fourteen-year-old Chelsea Acorn may have been murdered for witnessing a drug deal. The possible motive emerged Tuesday during the Chilliwack Supreme Court jury trial of two men accused of killing the teen. During a taped conversation with an undercover RCMP officer posing as a successful criminal from Montreal, 56-year-old Jesse West said he found it "much easier" to get rid of a woman than a man, and that he had "been there" and "done it" before, using his hands to "snap their neck." [continues 972 words]
Four-year-old Tyler was upstairs watching TV when his dad inhaled a mix of cocaine and heroin. Marvin Declare wanted to try something new, and an acquaintance introduced him to the concoction known as a "seven-up" or speedball. Within 30 seconds, he was a zombie. His legs wouldn't move. He crawled across the room, up the stairs and over to Tyler. He laid his head in the boy's lap. "Daddy, what's wrong?" Tyler asked. "Daddy's just going to go to sleep for awhile," Marvin said. He closed his eyes, not expecting them to open again. [continues 1029 words]
Ridin' dirty is a dangerous business that's going to land a young person in jail. That's the message behind the latest in a series of anti-gang posters being released by the Abbotsford Police. The poster, which reads "We'll catch you ridin' dirty," is part of Operation Tarnish, an APD crime and gang prevention campaign. Ridin' dirty is a slang term which means someone is either driving a stolen car or one which is carrying weapons, drugs, or stolen goods, said Const. Ian MacDonald. [continues 191 words]
As much as $46 million in marijuana is being grown annually in Abbotsford, according to a tool developed at the University of the Fraser Valley, intended to help police and policy-makers come up with estimates around illegal indoor grow-ops in their community. UFV researchers have come up with an indoor marijuana production calculator which projects how much pot is being produced, its value, and if it's headed for domestic or export markets. UFV criminologist Darryl Plecas said the clandestine nature of illegal marijuana production makes it difficult to accurately measure its scope within a given community or region. [continues 253 words]
In last week's go-git-'em column on gangs, I made passing reference to the revolving door court system. Pounding that point home is a study by Abbotsford Police Const. Ian Parks, who researched the criminal histories of repeat property crime offenders. Published in our Thursday edition, his findings are utterly stunning. If they don't cause judges to question what they're doing, then who knows what will. If his research doesn't shame federal politicians of all stripes - but particularly those of liberal bent who subscribe to the molly-coddling of criminals - then probably nothing can. [continues 480 words]
Re: Public demand drives drug industry. Russell Barth says the dealer's main objective is to provide the needs of the industry, which the public has created. The public is to blame for the growing numbers of dealers who are only responding to the demands of the public. Barth also blames how our society deals with the altering of senses that result in drug and gun violation. Although the public demands could be to blame for the "drug-hungry public," where did they obtain this type of behaviour? [continues 434 words]
Re: Drug prohibition works against Tarnish program Travis Erbacher's entire letter seems to be one of circular reasoning. He continually states there is lots of money in the drug trade, then continues to simply repeat this ideology in several different ways. Erbacher does not address an exact reasoning for why the "anti-gang" program will fail aside from his single statement about the poor economy; but one must realize the poor economy affects all jobs, not just the drug trade, and there are many other factors that contribute in a program's ability to be successful. [continues 277 words]
Abbotsford: "... the worst possible place to be a gangster." What a great quote from Police Chief Bob Rich. And it's happening, with a volley of direct hits the Abbotsford Police and combined enforcement unit have scored on the Red Scorpions and UN gangs in the past couple of weeks. [name redacted] and four others are in jail awaiting trial on a multitude of drug charges after an undercover sting operation. And eight more people with ties to the Scorpions went down in raids Wednesday and Thursday nights. [continues 533 words]
A two-day crackdown in Abbotsford's downtown core has resulted in the arrests of seven males and one female with ties to the Red Scorpions. Abbotsford Police Const. Ian MacDonald said more arrests are expected in the coming days. Beat and bike squads spent Wednesday and Thursday targeting drug lines and dealers - mainly involved in dial-a-dope operations - downtown and in the areas near Ravine Park and Abbotsford Collegiate. Seized were quantities of crack cocaine, heroin and marijuana, as well as cash, cellphones and knives. MacDonald said the exact amounts were still being determined as of this morning. [continues 276 words]
The Operation Tarnish "anti-gang" program is destined to fail for one reason - economics. In today's tough economy, the easiest and fastest way to make money is to sell drugs. The reason for this is drug prohibition. When an in-demand substance is made illegal, the price goes through the roof. The RCMP are protecting their drug budgets, and jobs, at the cost of innocent lives. Travis Erbacher [end]
As students from Abbotsford Traditional Secondary noisily clamber onto the bleachers for their assembly Thursday, animated chatter bounces off the walls. Teachers have to work to get them to quiet down before the presentation starts. There is little preamble. Abbotsford Police Sgt. Mike Novakowski stands up, introduces himself, and simply says, "I want you to watch this video." The words "Every choice has a consequence," flash across the screen. Footage follows of a sombre address by Abbotsford Police Chief Bob Rich at a May press conference. [continues 269 words]
Abbotsford Police have released the fourth in a series of posters designed to get youth thinking about the dangers of gang involvement. The poster shows an image of a silhouette behind prison bars next to a caption reading, "Easy money can get you hard time." The campaign is part of the APD's Operation Tarnish, which is looking to take the "shine off" the gang lifestyle, and get kids talking about issues that affect them, said Const. Ian MacDonald. "We are continuing in our efforts to engage youth and the community in tackling the serious issues of gangs, criminal activity, involvement with drugs and the consequences that stem from these choices." [continues 65 words]
Re: "What of the pain drug dealers cause?" (Letter-writer) Richard Oldenborger seems to be under the impression that drug dealers are deliberately trying to find customers, drum up business, and cause bad things to happen. The truth of the matter is, it is the public who drives the industry. The dealers are the result of the ever-growing and ever-more-exotic demands of a drug-hungry public. Dealers merely fill the demand, they don't create it. The dangers in the drug trade (poor product, no regulation, gun violence) is a direct result of our society's psychotic desire to stop certain people from choosing how they would prefer to alter their senses. [continues 91 words]
There has been much publicity in respect to the select section of video released of the two constables arresting three (alleged) drug dealers. I would like to remind us all of the damage that the people that engage in the selling of hard and/or highly addictive drugs inflict on our society. To my knowledge, dealers are never convicted of manslaughter. However, in reality they leave their poisonous time bombs through our neighbourhoods that can result in death or serious injury. [continues 100 words]
Mayor George Peary, chair of the police board, would like to see the Abbotsford board of education pony up the funds for three more youth squad officers in local schools. The initiative has much merit. Having full-time dedicated officers assigned to schools is a major factor in building trust and relationships between police and teens. That's essential in a community environment which, unfortunately, features an increasing presence of gang-related violence and influence among young people. Measures which assist kids who are being drawn into the gang and drug lifestyle can literally save lives. [continues 197 words]
Four luxury vehicles seized from suspected drug traffickers are being auctioned off by the province under B.C.'s civil forfeiture law. The 2005 H2 Hummer, a 2003 Mercedes Benz ML500, a 2004 Acura RSX and a 1995 Toyota 4Runner - worth a combined $65,000 - are being stored at the province's Asset Investment Recovery Warehouse in Surrey. "These vehicles were all used as tools for criminal activity," said Solicitor General Kash Heed. "Seizing these high-end toys sends a strong message to those who enjoy them as fruits of unlawful activity." Bidding on the vehicles continues until Oct. 22 at www.bcauction.ca. [continues 130 words]
Citing an unreasonable invasion of privacy, B.C. civic leaders defeated a Surrey initiative that sought to force medical marijuana growers to prove compliance with local bylaws. Surrey wanted Ottawa to notify local cities when it licenses new local users and to make them prove their legal grow-ops are safe and meet electrical, fire and building codes. The measure would have helped Surrey and other cities expand their use of fire code inspections to chase out illegal grow-ops. Many medical marijuana users have more than just a couple of plants for personal use - sometimes unsafe commercial-scale plantations, Surrey Coun. Marvin Hunt told Union of B.C. Municipalities delegates. But critics called the proposed measure unnecessary and unconstitutional. Opponents said police can already get all the information they want from federal authorities. [end]
Abbotsford police are investigating after finding a man shot outside a grow-op on Harris Road Monday night. Police responded to reports of gunfire around 11:30 p.m. in the 34200 block of Harris Road and found a man suffering from gunshot wounds, said Const. Ian MacDonald. The 28-year-old man, who is known to police, was shot in the right foot, said MacDonald. When officers fanned out to look for other potential victims or suspects, they discovered a marijuana grow operation in a house nearby. [continues 638 words]
Sean "Smurph" Murphy, 21 Ryan "Whitey" Richard, 19 Joseph Randay, 18 Dilsher Gill, 17 Jaswant "Billy" Rai, 36 Paul "Pockets" Denis, 36 Bobby Digeorgio, 24 Jessica Illes, 23 All of them had family. All of them had friends. All of them had connections to crime and drugs. And all of them are dead. Murdered in the past four months. Fodder for the slaughter between rival gangs, rip-off paybacks, and vengeance wrought for real or perceived transgressions in a dark world with its own stunningly brutal code of justice and retribution. [continues 455 words]
Packed into overcrowded rooms, recovering addicts in Abbotsford were living in houses which offered little incentive to keep them off their drug of choice. At best, these homes provided shelter and nothing else. At their worst, a lack of supervision and services meant drugs would enter the properties and tempt these men and women back into their old habits. Armed with this knowledge, the City of Abbotsford took a controversial step in June 2008 to regulate recovery houses. The plan was to allow the homes which offered genuine programs and services to remain open.Glorified flop houses - describing themselves as recovery houses but offering nothing to aid the recovery process - would be shut down. At the time, it was estimated that more than 30 of these facilities were operating throughout the city. [continues 414 words]
City hall may further limit the number of unrelated people who are allowed to live in an Abbotsford home, in a bid to crack down on property owners who are manipulating their tenants. The discussion follows a concern that the owners of some properties, which are describing themselves as supportive recovery homes for recovering addicts, are not providing the services they should. However, because they contain five or less people, they are not breaking existing city bylaws. These rules allow five unrelated people to live in the same place, and apply to all single family homes in Abbotsford. [continues 301 words]
The city should deal with the "flop houses" in Abbotsford, before it starts legalizing more recovery homes. That's according to Psalm 23 Transition Society president Marvin Declare, who said city hall should be cracking down on homes which offer only shelter, rather than professional services to recovering drug addicts. Declare was talking about properties in Abbotsford, which describe themselves as recovery houses but offer few or no programs to residents. Characterizing them as "boarding houses" or "flop houses," Declare said many contain five or less residents so they comply with city bylaws. [continues 229 words]
Abbotsford could be in line for more support houses for recovering drug addicts, should civic politicians lift a one-year moratorium which has so far prevented new facilities from opening. In June 2008, council ruled that no more supportive recovery houses would be allowed to open their doors for at least 12 months. That vote followed a decision to allow 11 recovery houses to continue to operate legally. Another seven were turned down at that time. Before that, there was no legislation to govern recovery houses in Abbotsford. It meant that an estimated 30-plus recovery houses - or homes masquerading as such - were being run without any rules. [continues 302 words]
After deciding to allow 11 homes for recovering drug addicts to continue operating legally last year, Abbotsford council placed a one-year moratorium on any further such establishments. This fall, local government will have to decide whether to thaw the freeze, or extend it. We see little point in continuing the moratorium, if proper regulations are in place and are enforced. There is no doubt that drug recovery houses can be controversial in some neighbourhoods. Many people simply assume the worst when faced with the prospect of having recovering addicts living nearby. [continues 190 words]
The City of Abbotsford has cancelled the business licence of marijuana activist and political aspirant Tim Felger. The city held a closed hearing on the issue last Monday. Felger was arrested in May, and charged with a number of drug offences for allegedly trafficking pot to teenagers out of his downtown store. Consequently, the city sent notice to Felger that the business licence inspector would recommend the Da Kine store at 33772 Essendene Ave. be closed. At the hearing , council heard the evidence gathered by police and from Felger himself. [continues 236 words]
