Pubdate: Thu, 10 Nov 2005
Source: Pearland Journal (TX)
Copyright: 2005 Houston Community Newspapers
Contact:  http://www.pearlandjournal.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4004
Author: Courtney Bajusz
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

DRUG SWEEP AT PHS NETS DOZEN OFFENDERS

A Pearland High School drug investigation program that ended Oct. 13 has 
yielded 16 filed charges against 12 offenders, according to Pearland ISD 
and the Pearland Police Department.

As a result of operation "Safe School II," which started Aug. 11, six 
juveniles and six adults received felony charges for delivery of controlled 
substances and delivery of marijuana.

Eleven students were arrested Tuesday, Nov. 8, on campus at PHS. The other 
was arrested away from the school.

Posing as a student, an undercover police officer with specialized training 
investigated the possession, delivery and use of illegal drugs on campus, 
allowing the police and the school officials to make cases against students 
who were buying and selling these drugs.

According to a report from the police department and the school district, 
the estimated street value of the drugs purchased on campus totaled 
$1,579.60. Drugs included marijuana (24.9 grams), cocaine (10.8 grams), 
Xanax (7 doses) and Vicoden (3 doses).

In 1998-99, "Safe School," a similar four-month-long program involving 
informants and concerned citizens, led to the arrest and/or detention of 
six students enrolled in the school district.

According to Rick Fernandez, public information officer for the police 
department, "Safe School II" serves as a warning to students that the 
school district and the police department will not tolerate drug abuse.

"The sole purpose of going to school is to earn an education, and if you 
choose not to go down that path, certain consequences will apply," 
Fernandez said.

But, he is quick to point out, except for the few students caught abusing 
drugs, most Pearland students seem to recognize the value of education.

J.C. Doyle, chief of police, and Dr. Bonny Cain, superintendent of schools, 
attribute the success of "Safe School II" to a close partnership between 
the police department and the school district.

"Although this is only one tool in the fight against drugs in our schools, 
this does bring us closer to our goal of a drug-free and safe learning 
environment," Doyle and Cain wrote in a joint letter to the public.

They urge a continued commitment from community leaders to offer drug 
education programs and to prosecute and punish lawbreakers.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D