Pubdate: Sat, 29 Nov 2003
Source: Williams Lake Tribune, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2003 Williams Lake Tribune
Contact:  http://www.wltribune.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1226

DRUG-FREE ZONES WORTH CONSIDERING

Do drug-free zones around schools really work? Will they result in reducing 
or eliminating drug use at our local high schools? No one really knows 
exactly how effective drug-free zones are. The point is that we won't know 
until we try. If drug-free zones are only another tool in our arsenal 
against drug use in schools, then they are worth having. Recently we were 
horrified to hear of two 100 Mile House girls overdosing on what is 
commonly called a 'date rape' drug. Over the past couple of years RCMP 
raided a house right across the street from Anne Stevenson School at least 
a couple of times. Two of three brothers living the house with their 
parents were charged with trafficking drugs. Shortly after he was arrested, 
Jasbir Pawar breached a condition of his release. Although in his 20s, he 
was caught on the school grounds with a cell phone - a necessary tool for 
trafficking in drugs. He was sentenced to three months in jail and two 
years probation.

Is it a problem? A informal survey conducted by two students last spring 
discovered that drugs are prevalent among youth. Marijuana use is high, and 
other drugs such as cocaine and Ecstasy are among our youth.

Will drug free zones eliminate drug use by youth? No. But here's what they 
would have done to Jasbir Pawar. He received a three-month jail sentence 
and two years probation. If a drug-free zone had been in effect around Anne 
Stevenson School, Pawar would have received nine months in jail and six 
years probation.

Did Pawar's offence warrant nine months in jail? That's up to a judge to 
decide. But when society sends a message that they accept such a sentence, 
judges will likely listen.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens