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Police preparing for spring bush parties

Police in the region are preparing for the annual bush parties which mark the end of the school year.

Police in the region are preparing for the annual bush parties which mark the end of the school year.

Cpl. Bruce Haley of the Summerland RCMP detachment said the annual Tequila Sunset party, to mark the end of the school year, is held west of Summerland, outside of the detachment’s coverage area, but in an area patrolled by Penticton.

Haley said the parties are a concern, since they are held outside of cellular coverage range.

“How do they get help if they need it in a timely fashion?” he asked.

In 2011 a youth was killed at a similar party in Penticton and in Summerland police have responded to a stabbing incident at a previous Summerland party.

“There are a lot of safety issues to be concerned about,” Haley said.

Police also have concerns about underage drinking and illicit drug use at the parties.

Drugs circulating in the past include ecstasy and gamma-Hydroxybutyric acid, or GHB, also known as the date rape drug.

“As parents, we have to be concerned about safety,’ he said.

“It’s really not a safe environment for children.”

 



John Arendt

About the Author: John Arendt

John Arendt has worked as a journalist for more than 30 years. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism degree from Ryerson Polytechnical Institute.
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