Inuvik (Feb 13/06) - Fifty angry people vented their frustrations at Inuvik's rampant crack cocaine problem, Feb. 7, in Ingamo Hall.

David Harder was in Inuvik Feb. 7-10 giving a workshop on addictions withdrawal program setup. - John King/NNSL photo-

Cab driver Abdalla Mohamed says drugs are not only a problem in Inuvik, but that drug dealers are terrorizing people.

"I notice a lot of it. There are a lot of drugs for a community this size," said the cabbie. "There's so much, it's scary."

The community meeting was part of a Crackbusters workshop hosted by the Yellowknife Salvation Army.

"The idea behind the workshop is to help communities get their own withdrawal programs working," said David Harder, an addictions specialist with the Salvation Army.

"Crack cocaine is a major problem in Inuvik, but alcohol and gambling are also problems. In fact, alcohol remains the number one problem," Harder said.

One person at the meeting ventured to say that maybe another death is what Inuvik needs in order to put a stop to addiction. That made people angry.

The crowd grew silent as organizers attempted to calm people down, but the sense of desperation and anger remained until the meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m. - four hours after it started. If a community wants to get rid of a drug problem, everyone must help out, said Harder.

"If a bar owner discovers a dealer, then they should kick the dealer out. If someone sees drug trafficking, they need to report it to the RCMP," Harder said. When asked what group is most at risk of an addiction to a drug like crack cocaine, Harder replied that kids are often targeted by dealers.

"Where there's money, there's dealers," Harder said.

Many in the crowd voiced concerns over the social problems that could accompany the natural gas pipeline, saying more jobs and an influx of outside labour will mean more drugs on the streets of Inuvik.

But for Inuvik businessman Bill Rutherford, putting a stop to drug trafficking in Inuvik is simple.

"We're spending a lot of money on the cure for addiction, which is good, but there is little done to stop the dealers," Rutherford said, a sentiment many in the crowd agreed with.

Resident Shayna Kayotuk said she has seen first-hand what drug addiction can do to people.

"I've had friends looking for loved ones for over two weeks," she said. "Where do these people go? We're still where we were five years ago."

Harder did admit there is a culture of silence in smaller communities such as Inuvik.

"People need to stand up and say 'no' loud and clear," Harder told the crowd.