Pubdate: Tue, 04 Oct 2005
Source: Sault Star, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 The Sault Star
Contact:  http://www.saultstar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1071
Author: Brian Kelly
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

POLICE TARGET DRUG USE IN LOCAL SCHOOLS

22 Charged Since Crackdown Began In High Schools Sept. 19

Sault Ste. Marie police are stepping up efforts to clamp down on student 
drug possession in city high schools.

More than 20 young adults have been charged with narcotic-related offences 
since the crackdown began on Sept. 19.

"We're there to try and reduce drug use in and around the schools," said 
Staff Sgt. Romano Carlucci on Monday.

The arrests have been made in areas "away from the beaten path" around the 
city, including bush areas near Cooper Street, Florwin Drive, North Street, 
Wilcox Park and a laneway off of Dennis Street.

The initiative marks the first collaboration of high school liaison 
officers and the police department's street team targeting secondary 
student drug use. Five police officers are assigned to the high school drug 
initiative.

Police have made a series of small seizures totaling 31 grams of marijuana 
and half-a-gram each of cannabis resin and cocaine. The total street value 
of the narcotics is $1,000, police report.

"We're pleased with the results and the work that was done in the initial 
two weeks," said Carlucci.

"Did we expect to come across a cache of drugs being carried or sold by 
somebody? The initiative was to reduce (drug use) and put out that message 
that we're there, we know that the problem is there and it exists. We will 
be out there looking."

The head of the Huron Superior Catholic District School Board welcomes the 
increased police vigilance.

"It's being proactive to have the support of the city police to help our 
principals ensure that their schools are safe and that drugs and related 
issues they bring are not prevalent in our schools," said education 
director John Stadnyk.

Problems can include student health suffering due to drug use and violence 
or intimidation provoked by non-payment of drugs, he added.

The crackdown will continue through the school year.

Twenty-two young people have been charged with narcotics-related offences. 
One, a 15-year-old youth, was charged with trafficking. The name of the 
accused cannot be released under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. Three of 
the youths charged were dealt with under the diversion provisions of the 
justice act.
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