DRUGS THAT KILLED RCMP OFFICER CAME FROM LOCK-UP

No evidence of foul play

COURTENAY, B.C. - The heroin and cocaine that killed Constable Barry
Schneider, a highly revered drug education officer in this Vancouver Island
community, came from a supply of drugs kept at the local police station for
use in training officers to recognize drugs.

But while the RCMP said yesterday it has concluded the criminal
investigation into the veteran officer's lethal drug overdose, it could not
explain why the man responsible for teaching others to avoid illegal drugs
lost his own life to drugs on Nov. 29.

The RCMP said it found no evidence of foul play in Const. Schneider's death.
It also concluded there was no evidence the officer, a 23-year veteran of
the force, had a history of previous or long-term illegal drug use.

The Mounties have classified the incident as death by misadventure in the
form of an accidental drug overdose. They also acknowledge there is a remote
chance Const. Schneider committed suicide.

"There are many unanswered questions that only he knows the answer to," said
Inspector Dave Zack, head of the Courtenay RCMP detachment.

The death of Const. Schneider, who is remembered as a leader in the battle
against drug use, shocked all of Courtenay. He left a wife and two
daughters.

It was originally thought the 43-year-old officer died of a heart attack. An
autopsy later determined he had taken lethal amounts of heroin and cocaine.

"There are no simple answers and the family, believe me, has even more
questions than you do," said Greg Phelps, a family friend.

"He was beyond reproach. This was a guy who was dedicated to his job. That's
why we're all so shattered by this."

The only hint that could explain the tragedy is treatment Const. Schneider
had been receiving for chronic pain.

The Mounties said Const. Schneider's medical history offered some insight
into the matter.

"We have our beliefs. Our investigation has taken us down a number of
avenues, some of which we cannot disclose. That may be some information that
could offer you some insight into what may have happened," said Const. Grant
Learned, an RCMP spokesman. Mr. Phelps confirmed Const. Schneider was being
treated for chronic pain, but refused to disclose further medical details.

The coroner's office must examine the RCMP file, interview witnesses and
review medical records before ruling on the cause of death. A public inquiry
is possible.