Constance Lake First Nation Takes Stand Against Illegal Prescription Drug Sales
The community of Constance Lake First Nation is uniting with various local organizations in the area in a battle against the abuse of prescription drugs in their community. Although not a new phenomenon, the illegal sale and use of prescription drugs such as Oxycodone, Oxycontin and Percocet is becoming a growing concern to local council and healthcare workers.
Constance Lake officials are alarmed at the increasing supply of prescription drugs coming into their community on a regular basis. According to sources, individuals are coming into the community with as many as 900 tablets for sale at one time and at a cost of $9 per tablet. Community members have been warned that a No Tolerance policy has been adopted and shall be strictly enforced within the community against any individual found selling or abusing these drugs.
Says Chief Arthur Moore of Constance Lake First Nation: “The major challenges of this drug problem are accessibility and tolerance. We want to see more stringent policies being implemented by local pharmaceutical outlets when it comes to the sale and filling of their prescriptions. The abuse of these drugs can be linked to various health and social problems in the area such as break-ins, and not just on our reserve but in the surrounding towns too. We would like to encourage as many people as possible to unite with us in this No Tolerance campaign and contact the authorities immediately if they see anyone abusing or selling prescription drugs.”
The community of Constance Lake is currently working closely with various other First Nation communities who are struggling with similar problems. Other organizations who are joining the campaign include; The Notre Dame Hospital in Hearst, on-reserve Nishnawbe-Aski Police Service, Ontario Provincial Police, Crime Stoppers and Matawa First Nations Management Services.