DRUG SWEEP AT OSHAWA SCHOOLS SEES CHARGES LAID

OSHAWA -- More than 75 people, aged 14 to 45, have been charged in a
sweeping crackdown on drug activity in Oshawa schools.

Durham Regional Police launched the project in early May in response
to complaints about drug use at and around schools. Street drugs
including marijuana, ecstasy, dilaudid and crack cocaine were seized,
along with two knives, police said.

Police targeted all high schools as well as neighbouring businesses
and parking lots and also patrolled City parks during the blitz,
arresting 77 people and laying 101 charges; drugs were seized in 62
instances, police said.

More than 25 of the young people caught up in the sweep were given an
opportunity to participate in diversion programs, taking drug
counselling or performing community service.