PORTLAND (AP) – A new state law has set the stage for Portland to consider designating more than 100 playgrounds, parks and recreation areas as “drug-free safe zones” in which drug dealers face the prospect of stiffer penalties.

The state already sets more serious charges for drug dealing within 1,000 feet of a school. A related law that recently took effect allows a misdemeanor drug offense that occurs within a safe zone to be treated as a felony.

“We always take drug trafficking seriously. This is an area where we would put special attention to ensure there would not be any drug activity,” said Lt. Anthony Ward, head of the city’s community policing unit.

“Protecting children is the ultimate goal of doing this. There are other environments outside of school where kids meet on a regular basis,” Ward said.

The new law was intended to keep drugs out of the hands of young people, said Maine Public Safety Commissioner Michael Cantara.

“It allows municipalities to declare as a matter of public policy that areas that tend to attract children should be made safe from the potential harm and ravages of drugs,” Cantara said.

He suggested that the relative rarity of drug crimes within 1,000 feet of a school points to the success of the policy and indicates that many people involved in drug activity intentionally avoid school areas.

The list of safe zones proposed by Portland police includes 21 athletic fields, 51 parks, 29 playgrounds and 41 recreation facilities. Signs reading “Drug-Free Safe Zone, Increased Penalties for Drug Crimes Committed Within this Zone” would be placed at each site, reminding parents and would-be criminals of the areas’ special status.

City councilors planned to take up the proposal later this month.

AP-ES-01-07-06 1025EST