KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

The word on the street isn't always something parents understand,
which becomes critical when youth get involved with drugs.

Quesnel's District Parent Advisory Council felt a frank and open
discussion with the two RCMP officers most closely connected to
Quesnel's drug scene might shed some light on the issue.

"We were looking for something that would benefit the whole
community," DPAC's Pam Mooreside said.

"We had more than 100 people show up."

Cpl. Luiz Sardinha said that was an excellent turnout.

Mooreside asked Sardinha and Cst. Kyle Richmond to talk about the
different drugs and what parents should be looking for with their children.

"Meth, cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy and GHB (the rape drug) are all in
Quesnel," Sardinha said.

But he added it's important to know how the drug dealers package
their product, and what parents can expect to find if their son or
daughter is using.

"We have a problem with cocaine here, in fact, that's probably our
number one problem," Richmond said.

Both officers were pleased with the number of questions from the audience.

"Many parents had their eyes opened," Sardinha said.

He went on to say drug dealers not only sell drugs to youth, but they
also draw them into the business.

"Decent kids from decent homes as well as those kids at risk," he said.

"They bring them in as young as 13 to be lookouts and to transport
drugs around town.

"When we see a new face with a known drug dealer, that person is marked."

And that's why both officers advised parents to get to know who their
children are friends with and get to know the friends' parents.

And they said modern technology also plays a part in the drugs scene.

"Modern electronics are used for drug trade but we also have access
to this and can link kids to their friends and discover connections
to dealers," Sardinha said.

"Technology provides the highway for the drug culture."

When parents notice something amiss, or find what they believe to be
drugs or drug paraphernalia, the officers encourage them to come and
see Sardinha or Richmond.

"Parents can come and make us aware of what they've noticed," Richmond said.

"We try to deal with kids before they're immersed in drugs.

"Drug dealers know how to convince kids to get involved."

And parents shouldn't be naive about what is in the schools.

"All the drugs are in the schools," Sardinha said.

"A good percentage of students know who to ask for all the drugs."

However, with spring upon us, Sardinha said bush parties will be
starting, an ideal place for drugs to surface.

"Never forget that alcohol is still one of the biggest problems in
Quesnel," Richmond said.

"And it's not just a commitment to not drink and drive, it's kids
hopping into a vehicle with someone else who's been drinking."

At the end of the presentation, parents were already eager for the
next one, asking if they could bring their children.

"It's important for kids to know this information," Richmond added.

They've had lots of calls to the detachment, as has Mooreside.

"Kids make better choices when parents are aware of what they're
doing," she added.

"This presentation is a seed. One of the barriers is lack of
knowledge, so bringing everybody together bridges the gap. Knowledge is power."

Sardinha said the doors at the detachment are always open.

"Call, come in and talk to us, ask your questions," he said.

"Its about answering questions and sharing information.

"People have been awesome at providing information.

"We couldn't have the success we've had without community help."

For more information on the subject visit drugprevention.gc.ca .