The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary says a large-scale party scheduled for tonight and targetting teen and yound adult attendees has been cancelled.
In an update to media, the RNC says it tracked down the 18-year-old organizer who agreed to cancel the event.
It's believed that hundreds of young people — including teens as young as 14 — were invited.
No charges have been laid against the organizer at this time and the RNC Criminal Investigation Division is continuing to monitor the situation.
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The Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and some St. John’s area high schools have issued warnings to families about a “large-scale party” happening in the east of the city tonight.
“So far, investigators have learned that the party plans include hosting persons from the age of 14 to mid-twenties and will involve alcohol, cannabis, illicit drugs and other dangerous and criminal activities,” the RNC said in a statement about the event, which is being called Project X on social media channels.
“Project X” is the title of a 2012 movie in which three high school seniors to throw a raucous, no-holds-barred party in an attempt to make a name for themselves amongst their peers. A number of similar real-life parties inspired by the film have occurred throughout around the world in the years since.
The RNC is urging parents to talk to their kids and find out, about their social plans.
Police are also issuing a reminder to the general public that it is illegal to sell, serve or otherwise provide alcohol of cannabis to any persons under 19 and there is zero tolerance for either substance for any driver younger than 22.
Gonzaga High School, while noting there’s no evidence to suggest its students are involved, also sent a letter to parents warning them of the planned festivities.
The school says the party is being planned by “young adults within the community who are legal drinking age (and older) and are not current students of the (Newfoundland and Labrador English School District.)
“While indications are the event will include a live DJ and dancing, discussions around the event on social media and elsewhere have included more concerning items such as: use of alcohol and various forms of drugs, invitations to bring weapons, the potential for sexual or physical abuse and an anti-police/authority bend to online chatter.”
What concerns Gonzaga the most, the letter reads, is that organizers are soliciting the attendance of underage youth and providing talking points on what young people aged 12 to 18 should say to police if they’re stopped.
The RNC’s Criminal Investigation Division is looking into the matter and is asking anyone who has any information in relation to this event to call the RNC at 729-8000 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or nlcrimestoppers.com.
Likewise, Gonzaga says any concerns or additional information should can be relayed to the school’s administration or to police.