Pubdate: Mon, 01 Aug 2005 Source: New Straits Times (Malaysia) Copyright: 2005 NST Online Contact: http://www.nst.com.my/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3734 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) MORE STUDENTS TRAFFICKING DRUGS The involvement of children in drugs is rising -- even involving trafficking, which carries the death penalty. According to police statistics, 49 schoolchildren were arrested for drug-related offences from January to May. Of the number, five are suspected of involvement in drug trafficking. This rise was due to the lucrative nature of the drug trade, said ACP Abdul Halim Abdullah. "Schoolchildren become pushers to get rich fast," said Halim, who is the Federal CID principal assistant director for intelligence. Criminals are also taking advantage of the law as minors are protected against being sentenced to death. Halim said the changing lifestyle of youths has contributed to the rise of schoolchildren being in possession of drugs. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom