SUSPECT CHARGED WITH SELLING DRUGS TO KIDS

The Cochrane RCMP received information last week from within the
Morley community that drugs were being sold to 'school age children'.

On May 2, the RCMP located and seized a quantity of marihuana at a
residence on the Morley First Nation, in a trailer court just 100
metres from the community school.

As a result of the search, [Name redacted], age 29, has been charged
with possession of Marijuana for the purpose of Trafficking and
Trafficking marijuana.

Sergeant Bill Eubank of the Cochrane RCMP said drugs have been an
'ongoing concern' within the community.

"The information we got was that he was selling to the children at
the school," said Eubank.

Responding to these events, Dr. Gord Breen, principal of Morley
Community School, has been reinforcing the detriments of drug use to students.

"I have spoken to the high school students in an assembly," said
Breen, "And reminded them of how that would be against their best
interests in terms of their education and their future. I reminded
them that the school itself has a strict policy against any alcohol
or drug use."

Breen said that school policy means any student found in possession
of drugs would result in the school taking strict action, involving
the youth's family and the RCMP.

The Morley Community School has ongoing annual student programs
directed towards the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse, said
Breen, as well as wellness and guidance counselors, and a family and
student therapist on staff.

Breen said he feels the term 'school age children' misrepresents the issue.

"You would have to distinguish between school age children and young
adults," said Breen.

"To the best of my knowledge there were no young children whatsoever
(involved).

"All communities have young adults who are experimenting or
inappropriately using drugs and alcohol."

[Name redacted] appeared in Cochrane Provincial Court on May 3, but
court was adjourned to May 8 for him to make his plea.