POLICE CHARGE 41 IN DRUG SWEEP OF CLARINGTON SCHOOLS

CLARINGTON -- A two-week investigation into drug use and trafficking
near Clarington high schools has resulted in 41 arrests and seizure of
marijuana and other drug paraphernalia.

Police say Project Lindsay involved plainclothes officers from the
Clarington Community office conducting surveillance during school
hours around all Catholic and public high schools in the municipality
during September and October.

As a result of what police saw, students from each of the high schools
were arrested. In all, 41 people were arrested and 11 eventually charged.

Of the 41, six were adults and 35 were under 18. Six entered into
diversion contracts under the Youth Criminal Justice Act. All of the
students were suspended from school.

Charges were largely related to possession of controlled substances,
though charges were also laid for breach of probation or other release
conditions.

Durham police ask anyone with information about illegal drug activity
in Clarington schools to contact Constable Heather Briese, High School
Liaison officer, at 1-888-579-1520, ext. 1631. Anonymous tips can be
made to Durham Region Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. Tipsters may
be eligible for a cash reward.