ANTI-DRUG DONATION ORDERED

A 21-year-old Port Hope resident was ordered to raise $700 and donate
it to a drug awareness program through the Northumberland OPP
following a guilty plea to a charge of production of marijuana at
Port Hope's Ontario Court of Justice Sept. 15.

Mathew Simpson, of Hewson Street, pleaded guilty with the assistance
of defence attorney Brad Halls. Federal prosecutor Marc Bebee said a
Kawartha Combined Forces Drug Unit investigator obtained a warrant to
search a Walton Street apartment. The investigating officer saw a
female tenant outside the building June 20, identified himself and
told her he knew there was a grow operation in the apartment. He
asked her to go inside and talk about it, but she refused.

After the tenant was shown the search warrant, she let the officers
into her apartment. Court heard the young woman originally told
police she was 18 years old when she was only 17.

Officers smelled marijuana and found 11 plants that stood about three
feet tall in a hydroponic grow operation with a light and a timing
system when they entered the apartment. Police also seized a
heavy-duty fan, light bulbs and a High Times magazine. A few illicit
pills were found.

When Mr. Simpson walked in during the search, he said he was the
young woman's boyfriend and was responsible for the operation.

The federal prosecutor suggested a $1,000 fine and probation. Defence
proposed a joint submission but asked for a lower fine.

Mr. Justice Robert Graydon thought about the submission for a moment
and asked the officers of the court if they knew of any charities
looking for funds in Northumberland County. Ontario Provincial Police
Court Officer Jim Hulsman stood up and told Justice Graydon about
DARE, aimed at the Grade 6 level; Northumberland OPP visit schools to
educate about Drug Abuse, Resistance and Education.

Justice Graydon then ordered a charitable donation instead of a fine
for Mr. Simpson, noting the importance of educating others about
drugs and the ramifications of convictions, including difficulties in
getting across the border after a conviction.

The judge suspended the passing of sentence and placed Mr. Simpson on
six months of probation with the usual condition he keep the peace.
Mr. Simpson was ordered to report to a probation officer until the
donation was paid.