RCMP PROVIDING NAMES FOR ESKASONI'S NEW DRUG POLICY

SYDNEY - The RCMP has provided a list of names to band council in
Eskasoni, which has introduced a tough new policy to suspend
privileges for members charged with drug trafficking offences.

Staff Sgt. Dan Morrow confirmed Wednesday that the list includes the
names of more than 20 band members who have been convicted or charged
with drug trafficking or possession of drugs for the purpose of
trafficking since the start of 2008.

Morrow said Wednesday he isn't comfortable at this time with
releasing the names on the list to a newspaper.

"I am comfortable that I am well within RCMP policy to supply the
names of a person that has been charged with an offence to my local
governing body but it is a balancing act . . . to weigh the
protection of a person's privacy and the needs of the community."

The RCMP officer wasn't sure how band council would deal with band
members who were already convicted in the past.

The list would likely have included the names of Ronald Alexander
Dennis and Ronald James Gould.

Dennis will return to court in Eskasoni on May 25 when his trial
resumes on charges of possession of the narcotic drug hydromorphone
for the purpose of trafficking.

He will stand trial on June 24 in Port Hawkesbury on charges of
possession of hydromorphone and of oxycodone for the purpose of trafficking.

Gould, who is also a resident of Eskasoni, will appear in court in
that community on Oct. 23 for a preliminary hearing on charges of
possession of hydromorphone for the purpose of trafficking.

The RCMP is to send monthly reports to chief and council stating who
has been charged with drug trafficking.

Band privileges that will be suspended include any support from
tobacco, gaming and fishery funds, consideration for future housing,
employment within the umbrella of Eskasoni band administration and
the ability to address chief and council during duly convened meetings.

The new policy says band council can reconsider the suspension of
privileges two years after the charges are laid if the band member
can provide written support from counsellors showing they have become
rehabilitated.