NEW ALARM RAISED OVER DRUG ABUSE BY INNU

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. - The man who first opened the world's eyes to
gas-sniffing Innu teenagers is again sounding alarms over increased
crime and drug abuse. Simeon Tshakapesh, a former band chief, said
youth in the northern Labrador community of Natuashish are out of control.

"It's getting to the point where something needs to be done here and
I'm very concerned, especially the drugs -- illegal drugs are being
sold to young people -- and the bootlegging that's been happening,"
Tshakapesh said.

Hard drugs, including cocaine and ecstasy, are compounding alcohol
addictions and other social problems, Tshakapesh said.