Pubdate: Mon, 20 Jan 2003
Source: Daily World, The (LA)
Copyright: South Louisiana Publishing 2003
Contact:  http://www.dailyworld.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1740
Author: William E. Johnson

DRUG-FREE ZONE ASKED FOR PUBLIC HOUSING

EUNICE - The Eunice Housing Authority wants the city of Eunice to declare 
it's four housing complexes "drug free zones."

"We have some bad problems. We have drug problems. On behalf of our 
residents, employees and the board of commissioners I'm asking for your 
help," said Kelly McFarlain, executive director of the Housing Authority of 
the City of Eunice.

Police Chief Gary Fontenot said the designation, similar to a school zone, 
increases the penalty for anyone caught with drugs. "It doubles the time 
and doubles the fine," Fontenot said.

McFarlain said the designation will be one more weapon in the fight against 
drugs.

"Like everywhere else the drug problem is getting worse and worse. We are 
no exception. We don't want to lose control," McFarlain said.

City Attorney Jacque Pucheu Jr. asked the council to delay a vote on the 
matter until their next meeting to give him time to research the law.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom