City of Belleville Mayor Neil Ellis held at press conference at Town Hall giving an update on the status of the State of Emergency.
Today’s Northumberland recorded the entire press conference and urges readers/viewers to listen to the questions posed to the Mayor along with other officers including Police Chief Michael Callaghan.
The Police Chief makes a bold statement that Today’s Northumberland has posted at the start of the video, but again encourages people to watch the entire press conference.
Chief Callaghan said during the press conference the laws for drug related offences aren’t stiff enough.
Stiffer penalties will “absolutely” curb people from dealing drugs.
“The individuals who are dealing the drugs are saying, “I’m going to do six months, to two-years, so what.”
“That’s the cost of doing business,” said Callaghan.
The amount of money a drug dealer will make during that time will offset the time in jail a drug dealer will face.
Belleville Police are dealing with one individual that they have been dealing with since 1985 who has been charged with drug related offences 64 times.
Other individuals are out on 15 probation orders.
“That has to stop – because that individual is a threat to the community.”
Belleville citizens and business owners who were at the press conference applauded Chief Callaghan when he stated, “at what point do the rights of a few impede the rights of an entire community?”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
