THREE ARRESTED IN DRUG CRACKDOWN FOLLOWING ILLNESS OF PORT STUDENTS

PORT COLBORNE - Three Port Colborne High School students have been arrested
as part of an investigation into student drug activity.

Niagara Regional Police officers arrested two Wednesday. The first faces
charges of trafficking in a controlled substance, and is in custody pending
a bail hearing. The second was arrested for possession of a prohibited weapon.

A third student was arrested Tuesday and charged for uttering threats to
cause death.

The students, all under 18, have not been identified in accordance with the
Youth Criminal Justice Act.

Police say other students have been suspended as part of the investigation,
launched after three Port High students were sent to hospital Sept. 8 after
smoking what they believed was marijuana.

The suspended students -- identified through a joint drug crackdown
launched by Port High principal Jim Heywood and NRP Staff Sgt. Bob Wright
- -- could face expulsion.

At an assembly Wednesday, Port High students were told of the arrests and
disciplinary actions. Heywood and Wright said school staff and police
services members will do everything possible to ensure and foster a safe
and positive learning environment at Port High.

Vice-principal Tracy Sacco told students the co-operation between the
school and police that led to the arrests will continue and will include an
increased presence of Niagara Regional Police officers acting as school
liaison officers.

The partnership may include a mentorship program for at-risk students, she
said.

Detectives assigned to the 32 Division Criminal Branch will continue the
investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact them at
905-735-7811, ext. 3220, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.