Task force targets drugs

In Sioux Lookout, a task force examining airport security continues to move forward.

The town's Airport serves 29 Far North First Nation communities and the regions First Nation chiefs say the isolation of their communities has led to drug addiction and alcoholism levels of near epidemic proportions.

The task force aims to stop the flow of prescription drugs, like Oxycodone, and other illegal drugs into the North.

The group was formed after a council meeting in February. Sioux Lookout Airport Manager Todd Tripp says the initial meeting was attended by representatives of the Sioux Lookout OPP detachment, RCMP, First Nations chiefs and airport tenants.

Tripp says the initial meeting went well, with everyone agreeing that the problem should be dealt with collectively.

Following the meeting, it was agreed all the groups will undertake more fact finding and research. Tripp says the second task force meeting has been scheduled for May 10 at the airport.