DRUGS SEARCH SPARKED RIOT

WHITEHORSE (CP) -- A riot in the Yukon jail was apparently sparked by
inmates angry about a search for drugs, according to corrections officials.
"As close as we can determine, the inmates were annoyed that there was a
search done," said Sharon Hickey, director of community and correctional
services.

Guards at the Whitehorse Correctional Centre smelled marijuana coming from
one of the dormitories at about 10:30 p.m. on Jan. 24.

While the damage done to the jail after eight inmates barricaded themselves
into their dorm was readily apparent, the investigation into why the riot
began in the first place took longer to compile. The riot damage cost
approximately $52,000 to repair.