AB: Column: Let's Stop Drug Dealers
LET'S STOP DRUG DEALERS
I was fortunate enough last week to sit in on a town council meeting in McLennan involving discussions of local drug problems.
The wealth of information that was given to councillors by a drug enforcement councillor from central Alberta opened my eyes to the issues all our communities face concerning drug dealers.
I'm not blind, I do realize there are many drugs floating throughout the region; crystal meth, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, just to name a few. But I hadn't taken the time before the meeting to examine what these drugs are doing to our communities. The issues stretch far beyond the physical detriment caused to the user. There are child welfare issues, violence, thievery, and break-ins also associated with drug problems.
To curb the drug problem, the entire region must join together to say that drug dealers are not welcome in our communities. It is everyone's problem when someone is mugged for the $20 in their pocket, just so some junkie can satisfy his addiction to illegal drugs.
How would we feel if our children were robbed for their milk money?
It is time for us to put our foot down. At the meeting, councillors were informed that some police detachments have started putting signs up around drug dealers homes stating essentially, "We know there is dealing occurring in the area and we will be watching local traffic." I give kudos for these signs being put up. I think it sends a strong message to them that society as a whole is sick and tired of dealing with impending violence and emotional turmoil as a result of their illegal lifestyle. There is no room for these criminals in any community.
Drugs can so easily take the life of an innocent person, especially our youth who are often easily persuaded to try drugs out of curiosity peer pressure.
A lot of these drugs are addictive after only one use and without solid guidance these young individuals are easily misled.
So, what is the solution?
Well, the police do a great deal to try to eliminate drug problems in the area, but a shortage of officers can pose some issues with patrolling. There are not enough people on the police squads to patrol during high traffic times. Our extraordinarily large remote areas are difficult to patrol.
The key is for people in the community to stand up and take notice of all the issues we face concerning drug dealers.
Do not approach the dealer, as that could obviously be very dangerous.
The best bet is to call your local RCMP detachment and fill them in one everything you know. This should include license plate numbers, vehicle descriptions - even a description of the dealer's physical appearance. If the police are given a multitude of information, their investigation and subsequent attempt to get search warrants may be strengthened. I think most people are tired of dealing with criminal acts and violence committed against their friends and family.
In addition, I don't think parents want to remain concerned about their children getting caught up in using drugs.
The truth is the issue of illegal drug use is everybody's problem and it's time that we do something! Personally, I will support any type of efforts aimed at helping to reduce the drug trafficking. If we all play a proactive role in the elimination of drugs in our area by working together, maybe - just maybe - drug dealers will finally get the message their days are numbered.
Smoky River Express (CN AB)
Copyright: 2008 Smoky River Express.
Contact: editor@smokyriverexpress.com
Website: http://www.smokyriverexpress.com/
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Originally Posted by Binky
? I highly doubt that this person would support legalization and regulation even though that is the only way to end the violence associated with drugs. They don't want to protect kids or Canadian citizens, they just want to punish others to make themselves feel safer and morally superior.
