Editor: There is no doubt in my mind that the proposal by the prime minister to legalize marijuana has not been well thought out, especially with the devastating drug problems we are now facing. The effect of narcotics on the development of the brain has been well researched. Scientific studies have proven that mental disorders, schizophrenia, suicides, etc. are much higher among those who take these drugs than those who do not. Postnatal brain development occurs over a long period that lasts into adolescence and some say into the 20s. Our youth are at risk. We certainly do not need more soft drugs on the street that are available to an impressionable age group trying to cope with their own stresses at school, at home, on the street, etc. [continues 288 words]
NASHUA - An alleged marijuana wholesaler was caught with 160 pounds of pot and $182,881 after city dump truck drivers sniffed something suspicious in the trash. The sickly sweet smell of marijuana on six trash bags led two Nashua public works employees to search through their smelly load, where they discovered piles of plastic wrap covered in marijuana residue. The two called their supervisor and the Nashua police to report their suspicions Monday. Just a few hours later, police searched the home of Steven P. Montbleau, 31, at 2 Skyline Drive, where the trash allegedly originated. Police said they confiscated 160 pounds of marijuana from his basement, which was set up as a packing and distribution center with the marijuana in 9-pound blocks and in one-pound baggies. [continues 285 words]
A young North-east man died on Christmas Day after he is believed to have taken ecstasy at a party. Grampian Police today confirmed Craig Rennie, 23, of Ellon, was the region's latest suspected drugs victim. Drug deaths in the North-east will reach a tragic record of 31 if a post mortem examination confirms Mr Rennie died as a result of taking the drug. The forklift operator's family were being comforted at their home in Ellon's Coopers Court and were today too upset to speak. [continues 222 words]
