There's agreement that illegal drugs have become a crisis and an epidemic in Membertou First Nation, but there are differing opinions on how to deal with the problem.

Resident Candice Denny-Paul has been openly calling on the band council to take harsh measures against dealers in the community next to Sydney, N.S.

"The major drug issue that we're having here is pretty common throughout Sydney as well, and that's with crack cocaine," Denny-Paul said. "It's been running rampant in our streets.

"I've…