SECOND MUCC DRUG SEARCH NETS RESULTS

For the second time in less than a month, a number of lockers at MUCC were
searched for drugs.

And once again, the search yielded some drug paraphernalia.

At the request of school administration a 45-minute search was conducted on
Thursday by an RCMP K-9 unit on about half of the lockers in the school.

Crandall Hrynkiw, director of education for the Melfort School Division,
said the K-9 unit was brought in because administration felt there was a
chance some illegal substance might be in the building.

"The in-school administration made the request because it was felt there
might be money changing hands and could be something inside the school,"
said Hrynkiw.

"This was the first time the canine unit was involved."

He said the searches are being done in order to keep MUCC a drug and
chemical free zone.

"We want to ensure a drug and chemical free environment for everyone and
above all, a safe learning environment for our students," Hrynkiw said.

The searches are being requested as a result of tips and observations from
students and teachers.

RCMP are not releasing the type of paraphernalia seized or the number of
individuals being investigated by police and by school officials. It is not
known if any individuals will be facing any charges.

The first search was done by RCMP and MUCC staff on Nov. 6 and resulted in
some drug paraphernalia being seized from one locker. No charges were laid
as a result of that search.