Pubdate: Wed, 12 Apr 2006
Source: Borneo Bulletin (Brunei)
Copyright: 2006 Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.
Contact:  http://www.brunei-online.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3514
Author: Rosli Abidin Yahya

SCHOOL BECOMES DRUG-FREE ZONE

Menglait Secondary School signalling its drug-free zone. Menglait  
Secondary School recently posted a "Drug-Free Zone" sign near its  
main gate to emphasise its support to the anti-narcotics campaign  
held nationwide.

With the sign, the school hopes to send a clear signal to potential  
drug traffickers to keep away from the school compound as its  
students will not be influenced or be used to traffic drugs.

Some drug traffickers targeted schools, parks, playgrounds, public  
housing developments, specific neighbourhoods or town blocks to push  
drugs.

Meanwhile, the residents of Kg Menglait have applauded the move  
towards a drug-free zone.

"Many communities have experienced a variety of problems associated  
with drugs, alcohol, deteriorating neighbourhoods, vandalism of  
public facilities, speeding cars, violence and gang activity.

"The entire community must join forces to clean up the neighbourhood  
to create a better, safer and healthier place for everyone to live  
in. Because law enforcement can't do it alone," they said.

They even suggested possible strategies towards community of  
excellence such as working together with law enforcement by starting  
up a community policing programme, putting up "Drug-Free Zone" signs,  
hold neighbourhood campaign, request for police to conduct raids and  
arrest drug dealers.

However, they said towards an effective drugs-free zone, cooperation  
and partnership between law enforcement and community is needed.

They also urged for other schools in the Sultanate to follow suit in  
introducing their own drugs-free zones to promote awareness on the  
dangers of drug abuse.
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MAP posted-by: Jackl