DRUGS CAN BE FOUND IN YOUNGER GRADES: POLICE

Cases of drug and alcohol abuse are popping up in area elementary
schools, Const. Brad Burke of the Cape Breton Regional Police Service
told the adolescent members of a community group Sunday.

Burke, the department's community officer, was the guest speaker at
the monthly Youth Speaks Up meeting.

He said more than a handful of the 150 drug cases police handled
throughout municipality in the past year have involved young people,
including Grade 5 students who use so-called soft drugs like hashish
and marijuana.

"It's in our elementary schools," Burke said to the monthly discussion
group of more than 50 Grade 6 students. "I sit here and I don't know
if any of you guys are confronted with it yet, but I guarantee you
through your school career, you will be presented with it.

"The scary thing is there's people your age who are drug addicts and
alcoholics."