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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom