Pubdate: Mon, 17 Dec 2007
Source: Marianas Variety (Mariana Islands)
Copyright: 2007 Marianas Variety
Contact:  http://www.mvariety.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4642
Author: Moneth G. Deposa
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)

DPS: 4 JUVENILES CAUGHT FOR MARIJUANA, DRUGS EVERY MONTH

A STAFFER from the Department of Public Safety, who was  among the
presenters in a youth workshop on Saturday,  says records showed that
four years ago, there were  three to four students caught every month
for consuming  drugs and marijuana at schools.

Jesse Seman, a DPS facilitator, said they're hoping  that the
department's continuous information campaign  for teenagers will help
address the problem.

"I believe that it's through education and alternative  programs that
we can help them stay away and say no to  drugs," he told Variety.

Over 60 high school students gathered at the Pacific  Islands Club on
Saturday for Karidat's youth workshop  on drug and marijuana prevention.

The participants, 14 to 18 years old, were from  Marianas, Saipan
Southern and Kagman high schools.

Youth program development coordinator Ling S. Taman of  Karidat's
House of Manhoben said the workshop aims to  provide the participants
with information on how they  can "stay away and say no to drugs,"
especially during  the long holiday season.

Taman said there was "positive feedback" from  participants who were
involved in the whole day  activities and presentations.

Reyna Malone, the drug prevention coordinator from  Community Guidance
Center, talked about the medical and  health effects of using illegal
drugs and marijuana.

DPS' presentation was about the enforcement of the  anti-drug
laws.

"It is our objective to help change behavior and  attitudes regarding
drugs," Malone said. "We provided  them information that they may not
be aware of and  empowered them to make informed positive decisions so
  they don't get into trouble."

It was Sgt. Joe Suares who oversaw the workshop's  activities on
team-building, cooperative learning and  winning respect.
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake