FIFTY-FOUR ARRESTED AFTER SURVEILLANCE AT AREA SCHOOLS

CLARINGTON -- Fifty-four arrests were made after a two-week
investigation into drug use near high schools in Clarington.

Project Arrowhead involved plain-clothes officers conducting
surveillance during school hours around all public and Catholic high
schools in Clarington, during the first two weeks of October.

Police report witnessing a number of drug transactions and young
people from all high schools wound up being arrested.

Of the 54 arrested, a total of 18 face criminal charges. Four youths
entered into diversion contracts, while 32 received cautions.

Most of the charges were for possession of less than 30 grams of
marijuana but other charges include possession of a controlled
substance for the purpose of trafficking, breach of undertaking,
obstruction of police, theft under $5,000 and possession of property
obtained by crime.

More than 3,000 grams of marijuana, $900 in cash and two cellphones
were seized by police.

In almost every case where an individual was arrested, they also
received school suspensions, police said.

Anyone with information about illegal activity in Clarington schools
can contact Constable Heather Briese, High School Liaison Office at
1-888-579-1520, ext. 1631.

Anonymous tips are accepted by Durham Regional Crime Stoppers, at
1-800-222-8477. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $2,000.