Pubdate: Fri, 16 Sep 2005 Source: Morning Star, The (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Morning Star Contact: http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1352 Author: Dan Ebenal POLICE RAID SUSPECTED DRUG HOUSE Police raided a home Thursday afternoon that will likely test the teeth of new city legislation aimed at suspected drug houses. Vernon RCMP swept into the home on the 3400 block of 18th Avenue, ushering those inside into police cruisers to the applause of neighbouring residents. "Eight subjects were arrested inside and five were transported back to the RCMP detachment, facing potential charges of trafficking a controlled substance or possession of a controlled substance," said Const. Joe Leeson with the Vernon RCMP's Community Response Unit. Residents of the Mission Hill neighbourhood have been petitioning council and police to take action on the home they saw as a safety concern. Residents complained of a steady stream of vehicle and pedestrian traffic to the house, with the problem spilling over into the surrounding area where used needles and condoms are found littering sidewalks and yards. "We're very happy. We knew it was coming on Monday, so we've all been waiting anxiously," said one resident who did not want to be identified. She expects the city's new bylaw will eliminate the activity at the house she describes as a "drug mall." "The neighbours have been instrumental in assisting the RCMP in this matter by being their eyes and ears," said Leeson. "They're fed up with this place." But Cpl. Henry Proce of the Vernon RCMP said police aren't prepared to board up the home just yet. "There are a few mechanics that still have to be worked out," said Proce. "We can still do it after the fact, it just may be a week from now." The controlled substances property remediation bylaw was adopted by city council Wednesday. Under the bylaw, a property deemed to be involved in drug activities can have its electricity, water and natural gas turned off. That essentially makes the home unlivable. Inspectors will survey the property for any health and safety concerns, such as mould or electrical problems. Drug activities take their toll on a structure. "Literally gyproc can be coming off the walls and wiring is exposed," said Gord Molendyk of the Safe Communities Unit. "At this stage, houses can't be dismantled but it can be boarded up." Occupancy of the home will not be allowed until all of the concerns have been addressed. Numerous fines and costs are also possible under the bylaw. Similar regulations are in place in other B.C. communities and the Vernon RCMP welcome the new policy. "It will give us another tool to deal with problem houses," said Molendyk, adding the target will be repeat offenders. "This bylaw will take problem houses out of the neighbourhood." Drug houses have been around in Vernon for awhile, but Molendyk says the city and police needed time to review the success of bylaws in other communities before taking action here. "It's also a sign of our times that there's more increased problems with drug houses and the frustration that once you take a resident out, they can turn around and start production again." With Vernon's bylaw in place, similar regulations may appear soon in Coldstream and other local communities. "The outlying areas are aware of what we're doing in Vernon," said Terry Pakenham, with the Safe Communities Unit. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin