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.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin