POLICE REVIEW PARTICIPATION AT ANTI-DRUG MEET

Vancouver police are conducting an internal review after questions were
raised about confidential documents on criminal records being posted at a
controversial drug symposium last week.

Chief Constable Terry Blythe said Monday the review will also look at
whether police officers used an unmarked police car to pick up symposium
delegates from the airport.

The review will determine whether more investigation is necessary.

Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen, who was not invited to the gathering, said he
is also concerned police members took part in a meeting that was restricted
to people who oppose harm reduction and the concept of supervised drug
injection sites.

Owen and his council favour a "four pillar" approach - prevention,
treatment, enforcement and harm reduction.

"I think it was inappropriate - not for the police to attend, but for the
police to support something that is in contrast to what the police board,
police department [and the city] support," he said.

The three-day International Drug Education and Awareness Symposium, was
sponsored by wealthy Vancouverites Lynda and Robert Bentall and their U.S.
partners, Drug-Free America Foundation Inc.