WINONA – A non-profit organization working to bring awareness to drug addiction and recovery is asking the Winona Board of Aldermen to pass an ordinance banning the sale of drug paraphernalia in the city limits, and at last week’s regular meeting, the board passed a unanimous vote of support to move forward with passing the ordinance.
Melissa Acy, a local administrator of the organization, asked the board to pass its own ordinance banning the sale of drug paraphernalia. Acy said the city can either enforce Mississippi Code 41-29-105 which makes the sell, possession with intent to deliver or sell, or manufacture with intent to deliver or sell paraphernalia a misdemeanor crime which is punishable by six months in the county jail and a fine not more than $500 or create and enforce its own ordinance to compliment the state code.
“We ask the board to unanimously pass an ordinance that will bar the sale of these items in the community,” Acy said. “We also ask that no business be grandfathered in.”
Acy said the ordinance will clarify that something be considered paraphernalia even if it doesn’t have the presence of drug reside.
“We truly think this is a step in changing the culture in Winona,” Acy said.
Winona Mayor Jerry Flowers said his office plans to work hand-in-hand with the City of Hattiesburg in passing an ordinance banning the sale of paraphernalia. Hattiesburg is also working to pass the same ordinance.
Acy also presented to the board letters of support from local educators, pastors, and elected officials who support a new ordinance.
Winona Superintendent of Education Dr. Teresa Jackson expressed in a letter, “I believe it send the wrong message to our children and youth when we allow the sale of drug paraphernalia within the City of Winona…”
Dr. Dewayne Gammel wrote, “I believe that drug abuse is a serious issue in our town and allowing the selling of drug paraphernalia adds to the issue.”
