Pubdate: Fri, 5 Jan 2001
Source: Comox Valley Record (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Comox Valley Record
Contact:  Box 3729, Courtenay, B.C., V9N 7P1
Fax: (250) 338-5568
Source: Comox Valley Echo (CN BC)
Copyright: 2001 Comox Valley Echo
Contact:  407-D Fifth Street, Courtenay, B.C. V9N 1J7
Fax: 250-334-3172
Author: Bruce MacInnis

DRUG OFFICER'S DEATH AN OVERDOSE

RCMP Drug Awareness Coordinator Barry Schneider died of a heroin overdose, 
grim-faced mounties announced at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

The 43-year-old constable was found collapsed on the floor in his home by a 
family member on Nov. 29. The initial post mortem examination suggested he 
had died of  coronary disease, but later laboratory tests found lethal 
concentrations of heroin in his body along with a quantity of cocaine, 
according to RCMP media relations officer Grant Learned.

Coroner Glenn Partridge said the drugs had been in Schneider's body less 
than an hour  before he died, but no needle marks were found on his body 
and investigators were  unable to determine how the substances had been 
ingested.

Learned declined to comment on whether Schneider suffered from medical 
conditions which may have contributed to his death.

"I wish I could tell you but (because of privacy restrictions) I can't 
responsibly or legally go there," Learned said.

Investigators have not ruled out any possible cause of death, but consider 
murder a  very remote possibility, Learned said.

However, police have found no evidence that Schneider had a history of 
illegal drug use..

Learned said four senior RCMP investigators have been assigned to look into 
all  aspects of Schneider's death. Police are treating Schneider's death as 
a criminal matter  because criminal investigations are extremely thorough 
and rigorous, Courtenay Detachment Inspector Dave Zack said.

"This finding has come as a shock to us all. It is extremely unsettling for 
Const.  Schneider's family, for the police community and the citizens ... 
who have benefited  from his years of good service," said RCMP 
Superintendent Jim Good.

Schneider was a 23-year veteran of the RCMP.

As RCMP Drug Awareness Coordinator, he spearheaded efforts to bring the 
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program to local schools. He also 
served on the Comox Valley Drug Awareness Committee and other groups 
dedicated to spreading the anti-drug message on the Island.

Partridge has not determined whether an inquest will be held.
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