RESIDENTS WANT TOUGH CRACKDOWN ON DRUGS

Drug sales may force residents of a Cape Girardeau apartment building out of their homes.

Drastic action.

But when it comes to a crackdown of drug trafficking, that is just what Cape Girardeau residents expect. Neighbors of the two apartment houses at 214 and 216 S. Lorimier have complained that drug dealing and illegal gambling are commonplace at all hours of the night.

The Cape Girardeau Police Department has intensified its efforts on South Lorimier, but the activity continues. Understandably, neighbors and police are frustrated.

As a next step, the police department is requesting the apartments be shut down as part of a public nuisance declaration. The Cape Girardeau prosecuting attorney's office is investigating the possibility. The measure was last used several years ago when two houses in the city were shut down due to illegal activity. Those properties were vacant for a year.

The effort sends a strong message to landlords and tenants. Landlords must take some responsibility in keeping their apartment houses safe from drugs. And tenants who deal drugs may find themselves in a new home: the city or county jail.

And if the feds get involved, watch out. Properties involved in illegal federal activity might not only be closed, but seized.

We realize police are trying hard to combat the growing drug trade. But neighbors have every right to demand safe streets. Drugs aren't just a neighborhood nuisance. They endanger us all.