YOUTH PLEADS GUILTY TO DRUG RELATED VANDALISM

KIRKLAND LAKE - It appears the local drug trade recruits members from an
early age.

A seventeen-year-old, who cannot be named under the Youth Criminal
Justice Act, pled guilty Wednesday to an act of vandalism he committed
on behalf of a local drug operation.

On the night of Oct. 9, 2004, the youth in question tossed a glass
bottle through the living room window of a Wishman Street residence,
said assistant Crown attorney Leonard Kim in his statement of fact to
the court.

The bottle was stolen from a local mine and contained the chemical
ethenethiol, a type of stench gas used to evacuate mines in an emergency.

The chemical stained the living room carpet and released a pungent,
offensive smell throughout the house. The incident caused $2,050 in
damages.

Kim said the youth was not acting on his own behalf.

"(The youth) was instructed by local members of the drug trade to
throw this material through the window," said Kim.

The youth, who accepted the Crown's version of events, pled guilty to
an act of mischief under $5,000.

Upon sentencing, Justice Robert Fournier scolded the youth for what he
called "a very serious act."

"I take it very seriously. I am not impressed and I know what this is
all about," said Fournier. "The people you were dealing with are
serious people."

Fournier also cautioned the youth to stay clear of former
associates.

"The people you've been dealing with may not appreciate how you dealt
with this. You may want to look over your shoulders," he said.

Fournier sentenced the youth to 18 months of probation, 75 hours of
community service and restitution payments of $2,050. The youth is
also prohibited from associating with individuals who have a criminal
record.

Fournier concluded the youth "was getting off easy" and said: "I hope
you and I don't have to meet again under these circumstances. Good
luck to you."