OUR VIEW: Supervised drug sites in Surrey must be kept on short leash

It's understandable that many are skeptical. With so much at stake, this project demands a vigilant eye.

We got a look at Surrey’s first supervised consumption site.

Media were given a tour Tuesday of the 135A Street location, dubbed “SafePoint.”

It’s not just a first for Surrey, but the first such facility in the Fraser Health region.

Once again, Surrey may soon be on the national map with the dubious distinction of hosting Canada’s first supervised site for “intra-nasal and oral substances.” Snorting cocaine? Smoking crack? Is this what Fraser Health wants to accommodate?

While some applaud these so-called consumption sites, others are horrified. Studies indicate that these sites not only save lives, but get more people into treatment.

On the other hand, one can’t ignore the moral dilemma this presents, with many people questioning the rationale of opening “safe consumption” sites for illegal drugs.

Mere blocks away from these state-sanctioned drug dens, police will be executing search warrants to get this stuff off the street. It’s ironic that serious crimes – against both people and property – result from the very use and abuse of these illegal substances.

It’s understandable that many are skeptical.

With so much at stake, this project demands a vigilant eye.

Now-Leader

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