POLICE FIND DRUGS AT ALL HIGH SCHOOLS

Drugs were found at all seven city high schools during a recent crackdown
by Waterloo Regional Police.

The surveillance took place May 25-28 and resulted in the arrest of 45
students.

Given that a recent Health Canada study found marijuana use among young
people is on the rise, police said the discovery of drugs at all schools
came as no surprise.

"It isn't an isolated incident," said Staff Sgt. Bryan Larkin. "At every
school we were able to make an arrest...It brings to light and solidifies
some of the perceptions of drug use among young people."

The purpose of the crackdown was to determine the amount of drug use at
high schools and raise awareness among students that casual drug use or
drug trafficking isn't tolerated by the community. Larkin said police
observed drug activity on school property and at nearby public places.

Of the 45 students arrested, 20 were released and not charged. During the
crackdown, police seized more than 50 grams of marijuana, 90 anabolic
steroid tablets and two knives.

Three students were charged with trafficking a controlled substance, two
face weapons offences, seven students were expelled from school, and 30
students were suspended for three to 15 days.