Senior who was involved in drugs speaks his mind

A White House official told the crowd that adults must send a consistent anti-drug message.
By LAURE CIOFFI
VINDICATOR PENNSYLVANIA BUREAU
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- A program meant to educate New Castle High School pupils about drugs turned into more of a lesson for the presenters.
"You're all dressed up in suits and talking about drugs. Just go out and do what you've got to do," said New Castle senior Luis Gunn, 18. "I'm just here to say this is not doing anything for us. Let's see what you all do on Smithfield and East Washington streets. After you do all that, then I'll listen to you."
School administrators initially tried to keep Gunn from speaking and were trying to dismiss the more than 400 pupils to lunch when Gunn started speaking.
"I came from a past of drugs. My little brother died because of what I was into," Gunn said to presenters who included Pennsylvania Attorney General Tom Corbett, U.S. Congresswoman Melissa Hart, U.S. marshals, a White House official and local law enforcement.
Other pupils were congratulating Gunn as they were leaving the school gymnasium.
"Hey, that's how you cut to the chase," one said as he patted Gunn on the back.
Gunn said after the program that he was involved with drugs and gangs when living in Los Angeles. He said he is now clean because he has made good friends since moving to New Castle.
More drug arrests
Thursday's program was meant to discuss efforts to rid New Castle of drugs. Mayor Wayne Alexander and New Castle Police Chief Tom Sansone have been aggressive in seeking out drug dealers. Drug arrests have tripled in the last few years, Alexander said.
Corbett urged the youngsters to tell authorities where drugs are being sold.
"Nobody has to sell drugs, and you don't have to live in an area that sells drugs. You have to participate," he said.
Mary Ann Solberg, deputy director of the White House office of National Drug Control Policy, urged adults to give young people a consistent message that drugs are not tolerated. She told pupils to keep an ongoing dialogue with teachers and community leaders about where they see drugs.
James Harper of the Pittsburgh office of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency said the drugs of choice in New Castle are crack and powder cocaine brought in from Detroit, Houston and Buffalo. Heroin is also being used and coming from Youngstown and Pittsburgh, he said.
Harper said his office has also investigated the illegal distribution of OxyContin by doctors in Youngstown and New Castle.
Other problems
Tom White, chief executive office of Jameson Hospital, said the hospital has seen an increase in the number of drug overdoses and related problems such as knife and gunshot wounds, HIV patients, infections and other problems.
"People are dying because of drug abuse. Say no. The ultimate decision is saying no," White said.
Some pupils complained to presenters that there is nothing to do in New Castle. Mayor Alexander, however, reminded the youngsters that just because they are bored, it's no excuse to use drugs.
He vowed to have his office meet with school officials to try to create programs to keep pupils occupied after school and on weekends.
Alexander said city police will also continue saturation patrols and work with the DEA and U.S. marshals to eradicate drugs.
cioffi@vindy.com