Pubdate: Fri, 08 Sep 2006 Source: Niagara Community Newspapers (CN ON) Copyright: 2006 Osprey Media Contact: http://west.niagaracommunitynewspapers.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4264 Author: Bree Ellis Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) ALDERMAN SAYS DRUGS ON RISE IN GRIMSBY Kids are finding it easier to get their hands on drugs these days, says Grimsby Alderman Steve Berry. "I would believe that drugs are more available and therefore more kids are experimenting with them," he said. "I hope more people are willing to speak up and assist the police with this problem." But Grimsby's 8 District Staff Sergeant, Randy Bleich, said they are battling the war. "We're fighting," Bleich said. "Whether we're winning the war is another story." Bleich said drugs are a serious issue in Grimsby but it's not on the rise. Grimsby Mayor Bob Bentley also said drugs are more prevalent in schools. He said it's the parent's responsibility to know what's going on in their children's lives. "We are all creatures of habit and if you are in touch with your children, you will have taught them right from wrong and would see a change in their behaviour, choice of friends or habits," he said. According to Staff Sergeant Randy Bleich people are contacting the police more, but that doesn't mean it's a growing problem in his district. He said people's awareness is the reason why there's more drug related arrests in the spotlight these days. He said people are becoming more aware, and are calling the police to anonymously tip them off. "There's drug use in every city in Niagara," he said. "I only hope people will call in and give information. It's the best way to combat this issue." Ald. Berry agreed people are becoming more aware. "I think that more people are aware of two things with drugs: consequences and signs of use," he said. " Parents need to have open lines of communication with their children and be able to identify and assist them if they notice any drug or alcohol abuse." Bentley said it shouldn't be up to the cops to stop this activity. "This is a parent's responsibility," he said. "Just ending a summer season and seeing teenagers frequently walking to our neighbourhood parks with bulging backpacks late at night on weekends should tell parents that they are not intending to study and they probably do not have books in the backpack." Alderman Tony Quirk said it's hard to convince kids that such activities are bad. "Young people have to be dissuaded from smoking and using drugs," he said. "It is difficult to get that message across when it is so readily apparent in the media and entertainment." Despite thinking drugs are more of a problem, he said the police are doing good work. "The police are also more community orientated - for example they are now in some high schools and involved in more community events," he said. "This all presents a more positive image that breaks down some of the stigma when I was a younger person. The police are also out on the street and chasing down leads including the arrest of a Grimsby teen for trafficking downtown on Monday, September 4. "There are street level dealers that we're trying to shut down," he said, adding police have also taken down quite a few grow operations in West Lincoln this year. Ald. Quirk said he will make sure his kids are aware of the pitfalls of any addictive activity like drugs, smoking or alcohol. "And (I) pray they make the right decisions," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D