Philippe Morin
Northern News Services
Monday, April 02, 2007

PAULATUK - The community of Paulatuk is only accessible by plane and shipping barge.

Yet, despite having about 300 people and no liquor store, it is not immune to the presence of illegal drugs and alcohol abuse, said RCMP Const. Todd Scaplen.

"None of the hard drugs are coming up this way, thankfully. Virtually most of it is marijuana and alcohol," he said.

With three years as an officer in Behchoko and experience across the NWT as a RCMP relief officer, Scaplen said no community is completely safe from drugs.

This is why it's important to bring drug-awareness messages to as many children as possible, he said, and especially those in isolated communities.

On March 19, Scaplen prepared to return from Paulatuk, after spending nearly two weeks meeting with students.

He said they discussed the effects of substance abuse, and also discussed good health habits and played sports, which always helps build trust with police.

"I love it, it gets you involved with the kids," Scaplen said, adding he is one of several travelling officers who teach the DARE program in the NWT.

And, when a gym t-shirt or hockey jersey replaces the police uniform, he said it always puts students at ease.

"It lets the kids get to know you on a different level," he said.

Angik school principal Russ Hancock said the program was a success.

"I think they really enjoyed it," he said, adding he's asked the RCMP for greater presence in the school.

Scaplen agreed, saying it's important to talk with kids about drugs. He is scheduled to visit Lutsel'Ke later this month.