3-YEAR-OLD GIRL EATS COKE STASH

LAVAL, QUE. --A three-year-old girl who ingested cocaine and lapsed
into a coma on the weekend was recovering in hospital yesterday.

The toddler, who consumed the drug at her family's home in Laval,
Que., Friday afternoon, was taken to hospital after her frantic mother
called 911.

The girl regained consciousness shortly before noon Saturday. She was
believed to be out of danger yesterday.

Laval police spokesman Guy Lajeunesse said the girl would likely
remain in hospital for a few days. "She's doing better, but she's
still under observation," said Lajeunesse.

Tests confirmed the girl had swallowed cocaine and led police to
question her parents.

"It's certain that she swallowed it, but we don't know how it happened
or how much she swallowed," said Lajeunesse.

The father was questioned by police Friday and suffered a heart
problem during questioning. He was taken to hospital where he remained
until Saturday afternoon.

During that time, police searched the family's apartment and found
several packets containing white powder.

When tests revealed the child had consumed cocaine, police arrested
the girl's mother. The child's father was arrested when he was
released from hospital.

Both face charges of criminal negligence and child abandonment.