Pubdate: Sun, 07 Mar 2004
Source: Interlake Spectator, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2004 The Interlake Spectator
Contact:  http://www.interlakespectator.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2164
Author: Jim Mosher

BRAZEN DRUG DEALERS ARRESTED

Students Openly Sell Drugs In Fisher River School

Interlake Spectator - Three students at Charles Sinclair School on the 
Fisher River Cree Nation were arrested by police in connection with the 
alleged sale of marijuana to their peers.

Two youth, both 16, and an 18-year-old adult student were arrested after 
Fisher Branch RCMP responded to a complaint March 3 that youth were selling 
marijuana in the school.

"When we arrived we found three students -- one male adult and two male 
youth; all were openly selling drugs in the school," Sgt. Ralph Sutherland, 
commanding officer of the Fisher Branch detachment, said Friday. "During 
their course of our investigation, the students advised us that they had 
purchased drugs from a male adult."

Sutherland says police seized an undisclosed quantity of drugs and money 
from the students.

Police subsequently arrested a Fisher River man. Charged with trafficking 
marijuana is Garnet Frederick Favel, 35. He also faces a charge in 
connection with failing to comply with conditions set down after a 
previous, unrelated criminal matter.

Favel was remanded in custody to Winnipeg Remand Centre, where he was to 
appear for a bail hearing. Police will oppose his release.

That's an unusual move, says Sgt. Sutherland.

"That's not a standard practice," he acknowledged. "But our major crimes 
unit has advised us that drugs are on the rise. There's a big concern about 
illegal drugs coming into our community."

"All of the three First Nations -- Jackhead, Fisher River and Peguis -- and 
the RM of Fisher share the same concern about illicit drugs," said 
Sutherland. "We are taking a firm stand. This is something the larger 
community wants -- and it's something we want to do."

"Selling marijuana is a very serious offence. We want to support the 
leaders in our communities."

Sutherland hopes the message police and community leaders are sending gets 
through to would-be dealers.

Meanwhile, charges against the three students are contemplated, though the 
final decision on those charges is left to the federal Crown's office. 
Marijuana is an illicit drug as set out in the federal Controlled Drugs and 
Substances Act.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart