Annie Labelle found in Laval

Reported missing on September 8, the 16-year old was not heard from in a dozen days, bringing her parents to fear for the worst, based on a note found in the girl's room saying that she had been sold for 14 grams of crack and $1500.

"Following reports in the national media that the teenager had disappeared, we received a multitude of tips from private citizens relative to the girl's disapperance," says Mascouche Police spokesperson Céline Saint-André, adding that the tips were instrumental in tracing Annie's whereabouts, a process which led to the Laval home in which she was found safe and sound. "It’s the first time in my work as a police officer that I've experienced such a massive and rapid response from the public."

"We found her in the company of adults," says Mrs. Saint-André. "We can't yet confirm if these people were members of a street gang."

Following her meeting with police investigators, Annie Labelle was turned over to Youth Protection at the request of her parents. She also appeared in juvenile court.

"This wasn't her first attempt at running away, but it had been six months since her parents had last experienced any problems with her," Mrs. Saint-André specifies, adding that the girl was turned over to Youth Protection as a help to the family who were overwhelmed by the situation.

Photo:Annie

(Photo: Annie)