§ 26-2. Findings and declarations.

The Mayor and City Council finds and declares that:

(1) the illegal manufacture, distribution, possession, and administration of drugs and other unlawful drug-related activities is a City-wide evil of substantial and urgent proportions, constituting a clear and present danger to the citizens of the City;

(2) innocent persons, including children, who come into contact with illegal drug-related activity are seriously and adversely affected and their health and safety are jeopardized by the violence and materials (such as discarded syringes) associated with these practices; and

(3) criminalizing the act of loitering about or using places within a certified drug-free zone for the purpose of engaging in drug-related activity is a necessary exercise of the police power to maintain the peace, good government, health, and welfare of Baltimore City.