STUDENTS HEAR ABOUT DRUGS

Students at Strathmore high school and Crowther Memorial junior high
school met with Strathmore RCMP officers March 28 to participate in a
drug awareness talk.

Const. Laura McGilvray said the presentations to the students, which
were done in two groups, went well with students asking a lot of good
questions about various illicit drugs.

McGilvray said besides showing the kids what each drug looked like
there was a video presentation made on behalf of AADAC and pictures
that helped to illustrate the wear and tear on a person who used drugs.

"They had lots of questions and thought they knew lots of answers,"
she said.

She said that approximately 75 per cent of the kids they made their
presentation to raised their hands when asked if they knew someone who
smoked marijuana.

McGilvray added that during the presentation they went over the
changing face of drugs like ecstasy, which she said has become more
stylized in order to increase its market value. Sgt. Kevin Reilly said
open and frank discussions with teens about drugs are an important
part of the drug prevention process.

"We have to educate the community and students and make them realize
the dangers and consequences of using illicit substances," Reilly said.

He said an added bonus of these kinds of presentations is that it is
"an opportunity for us to get in to the community and speak with the
kids on a different level than we normally would."

"It provides us a chance to work with our numerous community partners"
as well he said.