REGARDING the letter by Mr M Patel in last month's Asian Image concerning the growing drug culture within our community.

I agreed with your sentiments that we as a community have ignored the issue for far too long and let it get out of control. A family member of mine was affected by drugs and the organisations we went to for assistance were very helpful.

I think they should make more efforts to reach the community but I feel the problem still lies within our community. There is still a feeling amongst some families when their son or daughter begins to suffer from substance misuse to think it is a passing phase.

The authorities are still not doing enough to target dealers in the areas we live. We as a community should not be afraid to root out these vermin from our streets. Because in the long-term we will suffer.

Our son thankfully managed to kick the habit. But it was a painful time for us all.

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