For Release 12/06/06

This morning Canton Police Department conducted its first drug sweep at the three high schools located in Canton. School Resource officers were joined by six canine officers and their drug-identifying dogs to sweep parking lots located at the high school campus.

This sweep was conducted as another proactive step to monitor teen use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs. The Canton Police Department has partnered with Growth Works Youth Assistance and the Plymouth-Canton Community Schools regarding the presence of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs at our local high schools.

Today's efforts resulted in 38 cars being searched based on positive responses from the canine dogs. Of those, 5 students were ticketed and 2 were arrested. Charges range from Possession of a Controlled Substance to Possession with Intent to Deliver. Misdemeanors are punishable by up to 1 year in jail and/or a $2,000 fine, and the felony (Possession with Intent to Deliver) is punishable by up to 4 years in prison. Ticketed juveniles (16 & under) will be referred to the juvenile court system.

For several years, Canton Police Department has conducted decoy operations at local businesses throughout Canton in an effort to curb the availability of tobacco and alcohol to underage youth. The department plans to conduct these drug sweeps on a random basis. The goal of the program is to deter teen drug use while bringing awareness to the consequences of drug possession. Canton Police Deputy Chief Laura Golles states, "What was found today is in keeping with the statistics we recently reviewed. The effort is, and will continue to focus on, deterrence of drug use by our teens and parental awareness of what is out there."

For further information contact the Canton Police Department Patrol Division at 734/394-5401.