Pubdate: Mon, 29 Sep 2003
Source: Edson Leader (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 Edson Leader
Contact:  http://www.bowesnet.com/edson/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/780
Author: Amy Anderson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH TASK FORCE FORMED

After months of talk, action against Edson's methamphetamine problem is 
finally taking shape.

"It's plugging along," said Edson RCMP Corp. Glenn Henry.

Community groups, schools, health councils, churches, law enforcement and 
political figures will all be part of a meth coalition to combat the drug 
and its effects on Edson citizens. The first meeting is set for Oct. 8 at 
the Edson Fire Hall.

"We want the meeting to be very focused with key individuals. We're hoping 
for a lot of positive feedback," said Mike Butler, co-organizer of the 
coalition and Edson's director of community services.

Invitations were sent out to targetted groups but Henry said it's uncertain 
as to how many people will actually attend.

He said different community organizations will have a representative at the 
meeting, which will promote a focus that reps can take back to their group.

The meeting organizers will try to establish a steering committee and 
create subgroups for further information.

The meeting will help establish the purpose and organization of the 
coalition, which will also incorporate ideas from the Drayton Valley, 
Camrose and Hinton coalition models. Henry believes people are realizing 
there is a meth problem in Edson and he hopes this meeting will create 
ideas to help keep Edson citizens healthy and safe.

"There is a big crime problem in Edson and it has a lot to do with the drug 
problem," Henry said.

The Alberta government has also realized there is a meth problem throughout 
the province and is taking steps to combat it. Strategies to fight 
organized crime and stop the spread of meth use and manufacturing, is being 
initiated by Alberta's organized crime enforcement team, which was formed 
earlier this year. The team is already working with the province's police 
services on a prevention plan to cut down meth use.

The focus of the Edson group's first meeting is to establish a strong 
committee with the hopes of starting information and action sessions within 
Edson.

"Within Alberta they're everywhere -- all over," he said.

This is not a public meeting, though information will be made available to 
the media once a committee has been founded.
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