Pubdate: Mon, 26 Sep 2005
Source: Winnipeg Free Press (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 Winnipeg Free Press
Contact:  http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/502
Author: Kelvin Goertzen, MLA
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

BATTLE CRYSTAL METH

RESIDENTS of Manitoba have shown their concern in recent months over the 
growing availability of the deadly drug crystal meth. There is real reason 
to be concerned.

Every bit of evidence from other areas of North America shows that once 
crystal meth gets a foothold in a community or region, it is very difficult 
to remove. The drug is addictive, it is deadly, and it shows no mercy or 
preference for its victims. It is an equal opportunity killer.

What has proved to work is proactive measures. Action that is taken before 
the drug spreads helps save lives. These include education, controlling the 
sale of the drug's main ingredient, more police in schools for education 
and drug enforcement, and a concentrated effort to get rid of the gangs 
that produce and sell crystal meth.

Eight months ago, NDP Minister of Justice Gord Mackintosh said that he was 
going to "take aim at the growing drug problem involving crystal meth." 
Since then, Mr. Mackintosh and Premier Gary Doer have spent thousands of 
dollars flying from Scottsdale, Ariz., to Ottawa (and all points in 
between) saying it was time to get tough on crystal meth.

Yet, eight months later, nothing has happened. There is no control of the 
sale of crystal meth's main ingredient; there is no education plan in place 
by the government; it's hard to get any information on crystal meth for 
young people or parents; gang membership continues to grow and police 
scratch for resources.

A person can become addicted to crystal meth the very first time they use 
it. Often they don't even know what it is. Drug dealers sell it as a 
weight-loss product or a way to stay awake to study for tests or drive long 
distances. Some dealers spike crystal meth into other drugs like marijuana.

What is most troubling isn't the eight months lost or the thousands of 
dollars spent travelling around North America by Gary Doer and Gord 
Mackintosh. What is most troubling is that in the fight on crystal meth, 
time lost equals lives lost. That is the real shame.

KELVIN GOERTZEN, MLA

Manitoba PC Justice Critic

Winnipeg
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom