Pubdate: Mon, 14 Nov 2005 Source: Royal Gazette, The (Bermuda) Copyright: 2005 The Royal Gazette Ltd. Contact: http://www.theroyalgazette.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2103 Author: Scott Neil 17 CRACK HOUSES TARGETED BY AG Drug dealers operating out of 17 crack houses on the Island have been given warning that their days are numbered. Attorney General Larry Mussenden said Police have identified the drug dens and will work hand-in-hand with a grassroots community movement to target dealers and close down their operations. And any law enforcement or Customs officers, Government official or politician who is found to be turning a blind eye to the trafficking of drugs on Island will be dealt with through the courts. Sen. Mussenden pledged action as he responded to the words of Imam Yah Ya Abdullah, who delivered a speech at the Bermudians Against Narcotics community awareness day rally. In the middle of Court Street, an area that has been blighted by drug dealing, the visiting Imam from the US told an audience that in south Dallas the community had risen up against the drug barons and run them out of town. He said the Dallas area's 64 crack houses were run by the feared "Jamaican Posse" but that had not dissuaded a coalition of Afro-Americans and Muslims from naming and shaming the drug pushers by broadcasting their names on the radio and television. "We had the courage to call them out. We put their names on radio and TV. "We went to the neighbourhoods and we went to the crack houses and told them if they didn't stop we would put their names on the TV," said Imam Abdullah. "It eradicated a tremendous amount of the drug dealers and users and it is something that can happen here in Bermuda." He said it is the criminals and the drug dealers who should be afraid to walk the streets. He added: "Court Street should belong to the righteous people. Drug dealers should be afraid to come out on Court Street because there are so many good people who say ‘No, you are not allowed to sell drugs to our children or our babies. We are not allowing you to destroy the life of young Bermudians'." And he warned that those in authority should be brought to account if they are found to be assisting the drug trade by turning a blind eye. "Someone at the top is looking the other way, allowing drugs to come to the Island and destroy the young Bermudians. "Are there politicians, those in authority and law enforcement officers turning the other way? Drugs are coming in from the ships and the planes. Someone is getting rich at the expense of your children." Sen. Mussenden responded immediately telling the audience that 17 crack houses have been identified by the police and, working with BAN, that information will be shared: "So that we can shut them down, stop people buying and selling drugs in those neighbourhoods." And he warned: "If there is anyone in the Government Services, or in Bermuda, turning away from their duties (to stop drug trafficking) they should be sitting in the dock at the court. It doesn't matter who they are, if they are dealing in drugs they should be dealt with by the Police." The one-day awareness rally was held on an open lot opposite The Spinning Wheel club, and saw a number of speakers from individuals and organisations with experience of the drugs problem, to politicians and high profile community members. Minister for Finance Paula Cox said money taken from those prosecuted for drug crimes will be used to help rehabilitate drug users, and added that the Island's drug problem is not restricted to Court Street or other small neighbourhoods. "We recognise drugs is linked to money and you have to follow the money trail. It is not just something confined to the back of town," she said. Minister of Community Affairs and Sport Dale Butler said his Government colleagues will give their backing to any step to combat drugs in Bermuda, while PLP Senator Walter Roban referring to nearby Alaska Hall, said: "We as a party must play a bigger role because this problem is right outside the front door of our headquarters." He said the recent appointment of Wayne Perinchief to head a new National Drug Control Ministry was part of the Government's renewed effort to do something to address the issue. Bruce Simons said the Uptown Market Association would take drugs tests to show that they are drug free. During the day the tented seating area over-spilled as more than 200 people attended at some stages of the event, according to BAN co-founder Clinton Muhammad, who said afterwards: "We had a wonderful response and we had Government officers from both sides giving us 100 percent backing, and we have had calls and calls from people. "We will be going to St. George's and we will set up a hotline and work with Mr. Perinchief." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth