Pubdate: Tue, 21 Feb 2006
Source: Chronicle Herald (CN NS)
Copyright: 2006 The Halifax Herald Limited
Contact:  http://thechronicleherald.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/180
Author: Cathy Von Kintzel
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/raids.htm (Drug Raids)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

PICTOU SCHOOL BEGINS OWN PROBE INTO DOPE-SWEEP

ALMA - Dozens of alleged dope-smoking high schoolers involved in a 
continuing RCMP drug sweep could add school suspensions to their list 
of troubles.

Officials at Northumberland Regional High School in rural Pictou 
County hope to begin interviewing involved students today as part of 
an internal investigation that could take a while and result in 
suspensions of at least five days.

Terri Mingo MacNeill, spokeswoman for the Chignecto-Central regional 
school board, said Monday that any students found to have possessed 
or used drugs during school hours will face disciplinary action.

"I would suspect that when solid evidence is acquired, then 
disciplinary action would result from that immediately," Ms. Mingo 
MacNeill said, adding action could vary in severity.

No students were suspended Monday.

Thirteen students were arrested and charged under the Controlled 
Drugs and Substances Act in a dramatic police sweep of a convenience 
store parking lot Friday. A helicopter, police dog and 10 officers in 
a number of cruisers converged on the area at about noon.

By Sunday, Pictou County RCMP had arrested nine more students 
recorded on surveillance videotapes. By Monday morning, police had 
identified a total of 43 students, many of whom are being dealt with 
under special provisions of the Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Some students and their parents are being asked to meet with the RCMP 
to be issued formal letters of caution outlining their offences. The 
letters are then kept in police files.

RCMP Cpl. Al Affleck said parents have been "fantastic" and very 
supportive and appreciative of the process.

He anticipates students facing charges will appear in provincial and 
youth courts in March and April.

School administrators spent Monday developing a strategy to deal with 
the large number of students they'll have to interview over the 
coming days. They also reminded people that teen drug use is an issue 
in many communities and is not unique to Northumberland High - a 
school of 1,100 students in grades 9 to 12.

Although the arrests and surveillance occurred off school grounds, 
Ms. Mingo MacNeill said the complex situation is still a school issue.

"Any time a student is found to be in possession of drugs or using 
drugs during the school day, it affects the school environment. For 
example, students could be impaired in school."

Ironically, students will be involved in a previously planned Healthy 
Hawk day at the school Wednesday when speakers will discuss drug use 
and peer pressure as part of continuing anti-drug education.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom