Pubdate: Wed, 29 Jun 2005
Source: Meridian Booster (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005, The Lloydminster Meridian Booster
Contact:  http://www.meridianbooster.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1590
Author: Kirk Sibbald
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/heroin.htm (Heroin)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH NOT TAKING OVER BORDER CITY - YET

Crystal meth may not have reached epidemic proportions in 
Lloydminster yet, but that doesn't mean it's time for complacency.

With a national task force and strategies being organized to combat 
the use of this drug -- considered more addictive than heroin or 
cocaine -- Cpl. Larry Brost said it might not be long before meth 
surfaces in the Border City.

"It hasn't turned up too often here yet, but knock on wood," said 
Brost during a presentation given to members of the Rotary Club 
Monday afternoon.

"It can affect kids, it can affect early adults and later adults. 
It's not immune to anybody," he said. "My experience shows it can be 
used all the way up to 50 year olds."

Produced synthetically using readily available ingredients such as 
drain cleaner, lye, ether and even lithium strips from batteries, the 
World Health Organization says methamphetamine is now the second most 
prevalent drug behind marijuana.

Side effects of meth are devastating, and can include aggression, 
paranoia, hyperactivity, depression and anorexia. 'Tweaking' -- where 
users think bugs are crawling under their skin -- also causes extreme 
skin welts from relentless itching.

The increased use of meth has also been linked to a rise in property 
crimes, as users will often go to any means necessary to support their habit.

"A lot of the time those that are on drugs tend not to be gainfully 
employed, and therefore have to commit offences," said Brost. "The 
crimes can either be selling the drugs, or stealing from you and me."

Lloydminster RCMP Staff Sgt. John Hiebert said meth labs are 
extremely dangerous and volatile operations with the potential for 
fires and toxic explosions. And while endangering their own lives is 
bad enough, he said neighbours, law enforcement and even children are 
also routinely put at risk by those producing the drug.

"Every (meth lab) bust last year in Alberta had kids in the house," 
said Hiebert.

Although reports have estimated meth use has almost quadrupled in 
many Canadian municipalities in recent years, Brost said the problem 
has not yet become apparent in Lloyd, and the RCMP have yet to 
uncover any meth labs operating in the city.

"I'm not going to suggest it's not here, but our information is it's 
not real prevalent," said Brost. "We have more of a crack cocaine 
issue. I think it's because (Lloyd) is more affluent."

While Brost said it's encouraging to see all levels of government 
getting together in recent months to address the growth of crystal 
meth by putting restrictions on the sale of its ingredients, stiffer 
criminal sentences are still required.

He said those charged with possession of the drug usually get placed 
under probation, while trafficking would likely net jail time of 
anywhere from two to six years.

"Obviously, as a policeman, we try to put as much effort as possible 
to try and curb (drug problems)," said Brost. "But at the end of the 
day, when we perceive the judicial system is not taking things 
seriously well, we need more bang for our buck."

In an effort to stop meth before it rears its ugly head in Lloyd, 
Brost also said the RCMP welcomes any information or tips from 
residents who suspect suspicious activity.

"Every little bit of information -- no matter how seemingly 
insignificant -- from the community helps build search warrants," he 
said, noting license plate numbers are often useful for doing 
background checks. "It doesn't mean we'll be knocking down the 
person's door tomorrow, because (search warrants) take time, but 
anything that can help fuel our investigation is definitely welcomed."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake