Tulsa is cracking down on the owners of known drug houses

Tulsa is cracking down on crack houses and meth labs. Its part of a new enforcement of the city's drug house abatement ordinance. <br><br>The law goes after not just the people dealing drugs in a

Friday, March 5th 2004, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa is cracking down on crack houses and meth labs. Its part of a new enforcement of the city's drug house abatement ordinance.

The law goes after not just the people dealing drugs in a house or apartment, but, also the owner of the property. News on six crime reporter Lori Fullbright looks at this innovative approach to cleaning up the streets.

Bud Gardner, criminal analyst: "The bottom line of the whole thing is drug trafficking." Bud Gardner is a retired police officer who spends his time cruising by known drug houses. That's because his new job is to enforce Tulsa's drug house law, which says the owner of a home or business can face criminal charges if they let drugs on their property.

One such area, near 5fth and Lewis and the new Kendall-Whittier Elementary School. Bud Gardner: "We have open drug dealing going on in the streets and prostitution when just a half a block away young kids are on the playground."

Here's how it works, if police serve a search warrant and find drugs or make a drug arrest, the owners of that location get a courtesy warning first. The second time, they get put on notice that they'll face a misdemeanor charge that carries jail time and a fine.

The owner is given a chance to remedy the situation, but if it happens over and over, the property could ultimately be demolished. Phil Cozzoni, City of Tulsaâ€™s legal department: "There are no geographic limitations. Our reports show there are just as many of these places in east Tulsa as west Tulsa, North and South so it won't affect one area more than the other, it encompasses the entire city."

This means landlords or out of state owners can no longer hide by claiming ignorance of what's going on. Criminals say it's the broken window theory. If one window is broken in a neighborhood and nothing is done, others will pop up. The same applies to drug houses. If nothing is done, others will surely follow and that's what this law is designed to stop. The city has given several warnings, but has not started legal proceedings yet.

This program, which includes educating landlords and owners, is funded by grant money.