Page 8 THE VILLADOM TIMES I • May 5, 2010 Wyckoff Operation 420 aims to control substance abuse by John Koster Wyckoff Police Detective Sergeant Joseph Soto and Detective Michael Musto will coordinate an initiative dubbed “Operation 420” to take an aggressive stance against substance abuse by the youth of the community. Over the past few years, Wyckoff police officers have seen a marked increase in the numbers of individuals who gather in the wooded areas or at the vacant homes of friends with the express purpose of smoking marijuana or drinking alcohol. This behavior typically tends to increase when the weather becomes warmer and more people are outside. Again this year, police officers will be checking wooded areas throughout town searching for locations where people gather. “It’s our way of getting the ‘weed’ out of the woods” said Wyckoff Police Chief Benjamin Fox. Chief Fox said far too many youngsters are sent to the hospital each year with alcohol poisoning due to excessive drinking. The use of illegal narcotics is not only a criminal violation, but dangerous to the health and safety of teenagers. If a child is caught using a substance, he or she will be arrested and charged. Those who are 18 years or older will be arrested as an adult and will have a criminal record upon conviction. Police advise parents to take the time to make an effort to check on theirs children and know what they are doing and who their friends are. Parents should not be afraid to call the parents of the child’s friends to verify that the kids really are where they claim to be. There have been count- less cases over the years where police officers have picked up kids in the middle of the night, and when the parents were contacted, it is learned that they were all told different stories regarding where their child was staying. This operation to stop substance use amongst minors is called “Operation 420” because it is believed that people who say they are “420 friendly” are into smoking marijuana. There are various theories on the origin of 420, one of which is that students get together at 4:20 p.m. after school to use drugs. The significance of 420 has been kept somewhat underground and known mostly among those who use marijuana. Some marijuana smokers have used code talk openly about the drug in front of parents or teachers. Many parents are not aware of the symbolism of 420, but should consider it a warning sign if their child uses that term. ����������������� ���������������� ����������������������������������������� OCEANFRONT HOUSE with Private Beach Access FOR SALE 4-14-10 janine VilladomWebsite3x3(4-14-10) 3 x 3” Rev1 ����������������� ������������� Sunday, May 16th, 2010 7am - 3pm AT Upper Saddle River 2010 PEARSON EDUCATION 1 LAKE STREET (CORNER OF LAKE ST. AND E. CRESCENT AVE.) UPPER SADDLE RIVER, NJ 07458 PRESENTED BY: RESTORED RUSTY RELICS, INC. & UPPER SADDLE RIVER FIRE DEPARTMENT (near historic Beaufort and Parris Island). Ranch style with extended lg. deck overlooking the ocean and own beach access, screened porch, 4 BR, 2½ baths, full kitchen, great room with fireplace. 2-car garage. Fully furnished. Sleeps 8-10. In gated community featuring 2 championship golf courses, several swimming pools, racquet club, bike trails, marina and more. Call Fripp Island Real Estate; Vic Schwarzer, Agent: 843-838-2411; cell 843-597-2491 or check website: www.frippforsale.com WATERFRONT HOUSE ON FRIPP ISLAND, SC ����������������������������������������������������� Rain or Shine • Proceeds Donated to Local Charities www.USRFD.org email: northjerseyautoshow@gmail.com