SUBSTANCE ABUSE QUESTIONS RAISED

PARRSBORO -- The death of a young man has raised questions about drug
abuse in this small town.

In response to a monthly report from Cpl. John James of the Parrsboro
RCMP, Deputy Mayor Lloyd Smith suggested the police could be doing
more to address apparent problems of illegal drug use among the
town's young people.

"I know there was an incident that resulted in a death, possibly drug
abuse leading to suicide and I'm very concerned about the youth in
the area," said Smith.

"There are rumours of substances being around and I would like to see
the Mounties do a little bit more to control that type of activity."

A 26-year-old resident was found dead in his apartment on March 8.

The incident was investigated as a suicide, according to James, who
would not confirm whether or not drug abuse was involved in the
death. However, he didn't hide the fact that there is a drug problem
in Parrsboro.

"Do we have substance abuse problems? I definitely believe we do," he
said. "We try to do as much education as we can in the area and also
do a number of drug enforcement things. At the end of the day it's a
lifestyle choice people are choosing, and I'm open to any other ideas
people have."

He said drugs are a 'big problem here and a big problem everywhere'
and that he has discussed with Parrsboro Regional High School
Principal Pamela Hoar having more drug education courses taught at
the school and is also going to update his own training in order to
teach drug awareness education at the elementary school.

Living in a small community, Smith said it concerns him that maybe
something could have been done to prevent the man's death.

"I think we all feel a great loss when someone that young chooses to
take that option out," said James. "I couldn't attend the funeral,
but I understand the minister made some points about substance abuse,
and hopefully that sinks in with some of our youth."