DRUG FREE ZONES HAVE IMPACT

The bubble is already spelling trouble for drug dealers.

That's the view of high school officials two weeks after the start of
a new war on drugs that pays cash for tips from the schoolyards and
their neighbourhoods.

The school district, CrimeStoppers, the RCMP and the Rotary Club of
Kelowna have teamed up to reduce the frequency of marijuana-smoking
and drinking in and around Central Okanagan secondary and middle
schools by creating drug-free bubble zones.

Signs declaring school areas drug-free zones have been erected around
Kelowna Secondary, George Pringle Secondary and KLO Secondary.
Neighbours and students are encouraged to report drug and alcohol
users to the Teen CrimeStoppers line (860-TEEN).

"We've received a whole bunch of calls," said CrimeStoppers' Mike
Guzzi. "We've had both tips and people phoning just to say what a
great idea it is."

One student has been arrested for possession of marijuana as a result
of a police drive by at George Pringle. The student is on indefinite
suspension while the Crown decides whether to proceed with charges.

Guzzi said police will arrest anyone suspected of trafficking.
Students who are using or just in possession of marijuana will face
the principal.

"We've sent two students home because they smelled of marijuana,
although there was no possession," said KLO vice principal Mark Steen.

"They seem to be respecting the drug free zone. What we hear in
conversation is that they (student drug users) are saying it isn't
worth the risk."

He said there have been no incidences of hard drug use at the school
this year.

Pringle principal Rollie Cacchioni has received an overwhelmingly
positive response from parents, while students also seem to be
considering the message.

"The rumours in the halls from friends of people using drugs is that
they're giving serious consideration to stopping and getting into a
program," said Cacchioni.

He singled out Westside Const. Chris Wytral for helping the school
deal with the problem.

"He (Wytral) knows the kids and has a close relationship with them.
With the kind of support the RCMP has given us, it makes our job easier."

KSS principal Rick Shave said parents welcomed the bubble zone idea
and so far students seem to be responding.

"We haven't had a need to call the police yet," said Shave. "Hopefully
the kids are realizing what it's about."

Cpl. Greg Prowse said RCMP have stepped up patrols around the
schools.

The Crown is normally reluctant to charge people for possession of
small amounts of marijuana, as was the case with the Pringle student,
but Prowse hopes prosecutors will proceed.

"It (bubble zones) is a long term project," he said. "If we get
results and we're successful with charges, I expect the drug use
around schools will taper off."

However, students in the KSS parking lot at noontime Wednesday didn't
think the program will change much.

"If someone doesn't want someone to see drugs, they won't see them,"
said Rody Place. "And if people want to find the drugs, it won't take
long."

Adds Aaron Bosco: "We've had (police) dogs at our lockers. Pretty soon
we'll have metal detectors. But I don't think it's going to make drugs
disappear."

Organizers of the bubble zones plan to "blitz" all schools by June,
2000. Volunteers will talk with residents around secondary and middle
schools, which will overlap most elementary school
neighborhoods.

Included in the three bubble zones are Westbank and Central
elementary, as well as three independent schools: Our Lady of Lourdes
Elementary, Kelowna Christian school and St. Joseph's Elementary.