Drug Use

TUBES ATTRACT 'DRUGGIES'

Dear Editor,

This is in response to Mr. R. Nickel's letter regarding the glass
tubes being sold in the Willoughby area of Langley near a school. I,
myself, do not and have not ever delved into the nightmare world of
drug use. But I have some strong opinions about it.

Mr. Nickel states that "just because a few glass tubes might be sold
there doesn't automatically mean the addicts are going to litter the
streets with them [Needles worse than tubes, Dec. 2 Letters, Langley Advance]"

He may be right; there must be many environmentally-conscious drug
users out there. Let's get high, but make sure we dispose of it in a
responsible and safe manner!

As long as a store allegedly carries the tubes, it is guaranteeing
that drug users will frequent the store on a regular basis.

In turn, the drug users will be in the area near the school on a
regular basis, doing their drugs in that area on a regular basis.

We can also presume that the drug users tell their friends about the
supply, and then they tell two friends, and so on and so on -

I am all for promoting the tourist industry, but these aren't the
type of visitors I want in my town.

In addition to the glass tubes allegedly being used for crack, many
drug users don't stick to one drug. Smokers and sniffers can also be
needle-users. Some just aren't fussy!

So imagine the store allegedly selling crack pipes to crack users who
also do needle drugs. And they invite their friends, and they invite
their friends-

Do you see the problem emerging? We go from dealing with a few drug
addicts doing a little littering to a regular stream of drug-using
patrons using our streets, alleys, and school grounds as areas to "get high."

Even though these drug users may not be people who litter, they
certainly will become a fixture in the neighbourhood.

What is worse? Tubes on the ground, or druggies around the corner of
your children's school? Why give them the invitation and opportunity
to do both?

I agree with Mr. Davidson's suggestion of not supporting these stores
that allegedly sell these glass tubes and other items that can be
used for drug use [Take business to shops that care, Dec. 2 Letters,
Langley Advance]. Force them to close their doors by not being
patrons of their establishment. Money cannot be made through drug-users alone.

Period.

Sarah K., Langley