Pubdate: Mon, 19 Sep 2005
Source: Reminder, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 Reminder Online
Contact:  http://www.ffdailyreminder.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3827
Author: Jonathon Naylor, Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRYSTAL METH CALLS FOR PROACTIVE APPROACH

Police are being proactive in dealing with crystal meth, a potentially
deadly street drug they believe is now likely available in the Flin
Flon area.

Officers on both sides of the border plan to participate in an
awareness program to educate businesses on what over-the-counter
ingredients can be involved in producing the highly addictive stimulant.

"We're trying to educate the people to be more aware, and the
businesses to be diligent in the [sale of] products," said Creighton
RCMP Staff Sgt. Kevin Weber.

Staff Sgt. Weber said police will be opening lines of communication
with businesses about products associated with the drug, also known as
speed, crank and ice.

Despite a common perception, Staff Sgt. Weber said there is more to
crystal meth than cold medication.

"Everyone thinks we just have to deal with the drug stores, but you
really have to deal with all stores that sell a variety of the
products," he said, mentioning rubbing alcohol, paint thinner, starter
fluid and drain cleaner as other potential components.

Crystal meth is a challenging drug to tackle, the officer said,
because it can be produced with relatively little expertise and is
easy to conceal.

"It's in such small quantities when they carry it, it's easy for
people to have it in their possession and not be caught," he said.

Cst. Nolan Suss of the Flin Flon detachment said the crystal meth
situation in the area does not appear to be widespread.

"Our information is that there is some available, but I don't think
it's prevalent, really, yet," he said.

Cst. Suss added that drugs like crystal meth that are popular in
cities tend to trickle into smaller communities.

Staff Sgt. Weber noted that Flin Flon-Creighton is sandwiched between
two communities known to have crystal meth problems, The Pas and
Pelican Narrows.

Crystal meth, a crystal derivative of methamphetamine, is generally
smoked but can also be snorted, taken orally or heated and injected.
Experts say the street drug is one of the most addictive available,
with many ranking it higher than cocaine.

It can be easy to produce in small, clandestine labs, sometimes in a
kitchen, by mixing a cocktail of about 15 substances, experts say.

According to Ruth Layne, a B.C.-based authority on crystal meth, the
drug is sneaking up on unsuspecting communities across the nation.

"Crystal meth use has gone up 40 per cent around the world in the last
six years," she told The Canadian Press. "It's spreading so fast that
many communities in Canada don't even know it's a problem on their
streets."

Cst. Bryan Bowskill of the Flin Flon RCMP invites anyone with
questions about crystal meth to contact him at the detachment at 687-7488. 
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