PENALTIES DOUBLE IN DRUG-FREE ZONES

Zones Extend Two Kilometres Around Summerland Middle School,
Summerland Secondary School

Anyone caught within a two kilometre radius of Summerland Middle
School or Summerland Secondary School involved in drug related
activity including trafficking, buying or using will face double the
fine or punishment normally given for these types of offences. This is
all thanks to the recent implementation of the Drug Free Zone Program.
Connie Denesiuk, Okanagan-Skaha School District 67 board chair, says
the program is in partnership with the RCMP, the Attorney Generals
Department, the municipality and the school board. She notes that the
zone is now in place as the signage has been installed near the two
above noted schools.

"I'm pleased to see the drug free zones in the vicinity of S.S.S and
Summerland Middle School. I think it will be a positive step towards
working together to deter drug related incidents within our
community," says Denesiuk.

Denesiuk notes that it's important that people realize this program
does not only affect students caught in the zones involved in drug
related activity. For instance an adult caught in a drug related
incident will also endure the stiffer penalties that come along with
the Drug Free Zone Program.

"We're not saying drug free zones are for just the students, but for
the community as a whole," says Denesiuk.

"This is bigger than just the schools."

Brochures about the program are being distributed throughout the
schools which outline what the program is all about and the
consequences that come with being caught involved in drug related
offences within the drug free bubble zone.

Denesiuk says it's nice to see the program up and going now, as it has
been in the works for about a year.