Dez Loreen
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 21/05) - Inuvik was plastered with signs last week identifying a residence as a crackhouse.

The woman who posted the signs said she did it after a family member became involved in using crack cocaine and became concerned about drug abuse in the community.

Signs like this were posted at a few locations in Inuvik last week. Police say this shows that members of the community are acting to create awareness of drug dealers and the problems associated with hard drugs. - Dez Loreen/NNSL photo

"There are people in this town that are forcing people to take crack," said the woman, who asked not to be identified. "The police need to do something about them."

Inuvik RCMP Cpl. Jim Strowbridge said that while he is glad to see members of the community speaking out against drugs, he urged people to be wary of their actions.

"There might be unexpected consequences from taking the law into your own hands," said Strowbridge.

"But it is good to see people taking responsibility for their community."

However, Strowbridge said police have no evidence of wrongdoing associated with the residence and said people could find themselves in legal difficulty for spreading unsubstantiated accusations.

"Unless supported by facts, accusing someone like this is against the law," explained Strowbridge.

He added that no complaints have filed against anyone living in the home.

Attempts to contact the owner for comment were unsuccessful.

Strowbridge hoped that something positive could come from the sign postings.

"Community involvement is very important for the RCMP," said Strowbridge.

"It would be nearly impossible for us to do our jobs without the help from our communities."