DRUG OFFICER'S DEATH AN OVERDOSE

RCMP Drug Awareness Coordinator Barry Schneider died of a heroin overdose,
grim-faced mounties announced at a news conference Thursday afternoon.

The 43-year-old constable was found collapsed on the floor in his home by a
family member on Nov. 29. The initial post mortem examination suggested he
had died of coronary disease, but later laboratory tests found lethal
concentrations of heroin in his body along with a quantity of cocaine,
according to RCMP media relations officer Grant Learned.

Coroner Glenn Partridge said the drugs had been in Schneider's body less
than an hour before he died, but no needle marks were found on his body
and investigators were unable to determine how the substances had been
ingested.

Learned declined to comment on whether Schneider suffered from medical
conditions which may have contributed to his death.

"I wish I could tell you but (because of privacy restrictions) I can't
responsibly or legally go there," Learned said.

Investigators have not ruled out any possible cause of death, but consider
murder a very remote possibility, Learned said.

However, police have found no evidence that Schneider had a history of
illegal drug use..

Learned said four senior RCMP investigators have been assigned to look into
all aspects of Schneider's death. Police are treating Schneider's death as
a criminal matter because criminal investigations are extremely thorough
and rigorous, Courtenay Detachment Inspector Dave Zack said.

"This finding has come as a shock to us all. It is extremely unsettling for
Const. Schneider's family, for the police community and the citizens ...
who have benefited from his years of good service," said RCMP
Superintendent Jim Good.

Schneider was a 23-year veteran of the RCMP.

As RCMP Drug Awareness Coordinator, he spearheaded efforts to bring the
DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program to local schools. He also
served on the Comox Valley Drug Awareness Committee and other groups
dedicated to spreading the anti-drug message on the Island.

Partridge has not determined whether an inquest will be held.