DRUG-FREE ZONES WORTH CONSIDERING

Do drug-free zones around schools really work? Will they result in reducing
or eliminating drug use at our local high schools? No one really knows
exactly how effective drug-free zones are. The point is that we won't know
until we try. If drug-free zones are only another tool in our arsenal
against drug use in schools, then they are worth having. Recently we were
horrified to hear of two 100 Mile House girls overdosing on what is
commonly called a 'date rape' drug. Over the past couple of years RCMP
raided a house right across the street from Anne Stevenson School at least
a couple of times. Two of three brothers living the house with their
parents were charged with trafficking drugs. Shortly after he was arrested,
Jasbir Pawar breached a condition of his release. Although in his 20s, he
was caught on the school grounds with a cell phone - a necessary tool for
trafficking in drugs. He was sentenced to three months in jail and two
years probation.

Is it a problem? A informal survey conducted by two students last spring
discovered that drugs are prevalent among youth. Marijuana use is high, and
other drugs such as cocaine and Ecstasy are among our youth.

Will drug free zones eliminate drug use by youth? No. But here's what they
would have done to Jasbir Pawar. He received a three-month jail sentence
and two years probation. If a drug-free zone had been in effect around Anne
Stevenson School, Pawar would have received nine months in jail and six
years probation.

Did Pawar's offence warrant nine months in jail? That's up to a judge to
decide. But when society sends a message that they accept such a sentence,
judges will likely listen.