Pubdate: Thu, 19 Oct 2006
Source: North Island Gazette (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 North Island Gazette
Contact:  http://www.northislandgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2783
Author: Bruce Winfield

DRUG FEARS HAUNT FAMILIES

PORT HARDY - Residents at Cedar Heights Trailer Park are upset by 
what they believe is a drug dealer living in their neighbourhood.

"Crack dealers belong in jail," and "children have the right to feel 
safe," say signs put up on her property by Deanna Johnston, the owner 
and resident living at 107, who dressed up as a jailbird Saturday, 
Oct. 14 to tell people she's a prisoner in her own neighbourhood.

"This has been a problem for a year and a half," she said. "There are 
drug dealers in the neighbourhood ... we've been trying to get them 
out but there's nothing legal we can do."

The tension spilled into the streets shortly before 3 p.m., as 
Johnston exchanged angry words with the neighbours she suspects, and 
police were called to keep the peace.

All that drew more neighbours, who generally agreed there is a 
problem in the trailer park.

"This is totally a problem," said Darcie Addison, who is a resident 
and owner at #29.

"We're protesting against the drug dealer in our neighbourhood. Their 
customers park in front of my house, so police won't get their number."

The noise of people coming and going is another problem. "They keep 
us awake all night, with people coming and going," said Earl 
Shirtlift, who lives at #27.

The neighbourhood's overall security is compromised, says Kevin 
Smith, who lives at #31.

"I'm tired of worrying about whether my stereo is going to be stolen 
or my shop broken into," he said.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine