NELSON STUDENTS NABBED IN POLICE DRUG CRACKDOWN

Fourteen Nelson High School students and two others are facing drug
charges and school suspensions following a drug sweep by Halton police
last week in the Shoreacres Creek area.

Police say officers visited multiple areas along the creek's ravine in
the New Street/Belvenia Road area Thursday morning after receiving
information that drug activity was occurring there.

During a two-hour period, officers arrested 16 youths and charged each
of them with possession of a controlled substance. Police say the
substance was marijuana.

All but two of the arrested youths are 14 years old and students at
nearby Nelson. All have been suspended. Sheila Emmerson, one of the
school's vice-principals, said most of the suspensions are for three
days.

She couldn't comment on specific students but said some might be
suspended for longer than three days. Those suspensions have yet to be
determined, she said.

Two of the arrested teens are 16 years old and not students at
Nelson.

Police say their information about the drug use also indicated
students were suffering effects of drug use during school hours.

Sgt. Val Hay, public affairs officer with Halton police, said police
are encouraging residents throughout Burlington to phone police if
they suspect drug activity is occurring in their neighbourhoods.

Residents can phone police directly at 905-634-1831, ext. 2305, or
phone Crime Stoppers of Halton at 905-825-8477.