Police chief wants glass pipe banned

ARACDE - The Arcade police chief wants three-inch glass pipes with a fake rose inside banned -- saying they are nothing more than crack pipes in disguise.

The pipes may be bought at many convenience stores. Dennis Ball doesn't want to see the pipes, called novelty items by many, on store shelves anymore.

The pipe -- known as ``The Rose'' -- has a piece of cork on one end with a flower in the center.

Bell is calling on lawmakers to outlaw the pipes. He hopes other police chiefs in Jackson County and Sherif Stan Evans will join him in seeking to have legislation passed that would outlaw the pipes.

Jim Tudor is president of the Georgia Association of Convenience Stores. He says he doesn't see a problem with legislation banning obvious drug paraphernalia -- as long as it doesn't go too far. He says the association hopes retailers will take the items off shelves voluntarily.

State Rep. Tommy Benton is a Jefferson Republican, whose district includes Arcade. He says he expects such a bill designed to crack down on illicit drug use would be well-received among lawmakers.

Bell says possessing one of the pipes is not illegal unless it has been used for drugs. The chief says officers usually are suspicious if they find ``The Rose'' on someone.