The Fraser Health region has one of the largest populations of injection drug users in the province, yet distributes the second-lowest number of clean needles in B.C. According to data provided by Ann Livingston, a volunteer with the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, about 14,000 to 16,000 people in the Fraser Health region inject drugs -- the same number as in Vancouver Coastal. However, she said Fraser Health distributes few clean needles compared to other health authorities. [continues 1191 words]
While some might think of the area around Burnaby Mountain secondary as a quiet residential hideaway, Emma Suen would be quick to correct them. Suen is concerned about noise, traffic and, most of all, illegal activities in her neighbourhood. "A known drug dealer lives in our townhouse complex. The drug dealing is happening right under our nose," she said at the North Burnaby public safety forum, which drew a crowd of more than 100 people to Alpha secondary on Wednesday night. [continues 413 words]
About 30 concerned community members met for a vigil outside the Ganges courthouse Tuesday morning to take a stand against drug dealers on the island. Dressed in white T-shirts with pins stating, "This is a drug-free zone," the group banded together in the government building parking lot as silent witnesses to Jim Hawkins' first appearance before the court for drug trafficking charges. Robert Osborne of the Crime Prevention Association said that in recent weeks at least seven drug dealers have been caught on the island and will be up on the judiciary block this month. [continues 555 words]
