DPS: 4 JUVENILES CAUGHT FOR MARIJUANA, DRUGS EVERY MONTH

A STAFFER from the Department of Public Safety, who was among the
presenters in a youth workshop on Saturday, says records showed that
four years ago, there were three to four students caught every month
for consuming drugs and marijuana at schools.

Jesse Seman, a DPS facilitator, said they're hoping that the
department's continuous information campaign for teenagers will help
address the problem.

"I believe that it's through education and alternative programs that
we can help them stay away and say no to drugs," he told Variety.

Over 60 high school students gathered at the Pacific Islands Club on
Saturday for Karidat's youth workshop on drug and marijuana prevention.

The participants, 14 to 18 years old, were from Marianas, Saipan
Southern and Kagman high schools.

Youth program development coordinator Ling S. Taman of Karidat's
House of Manhoben said the workshop aims to provide the participants
with information on how they can "stay away and say no to drugs,"
especially during the long holiday season.

Taman said there was "positive feedback" from participants who were
involved in the whole day activities and presentations.

Reyna Malone, the drug prevention coordinator from Community Guidance
Center, talked about the medical and health effects of using illegal
drugs and marijuana.

DPS' presentation was about the enforcement of the anti-drug
laws.

"It is our objective to help change behavior and attitudes regarding
drugs," Malone said. "We provided them information that they may not
be aware of and empowered them to make informed positive decisions so
they don't get into trouble."

It was Sgt. Joe Suares who oversaw the workshop's activities on
team-building, cooperative learning and winning respect.