Pubdate: Fri, 16 Dec 2005 Source: Parksville Qualicum Beach News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Parksville Qualicum Beach News Contact: http://www.pqbnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1361 Author: Colleen Dane METH WATCH SIGNS ARE UP While employees at local stores have been learning behind the scenes about the Meth Watch program for months now, this week their involvement in the program will be a little more obvious. All the signage has arrived for the program, says Oceanside RCMP Auxiliary Constable Ron Guthrie, and stores like French Creek's Central Builders' Home Hardware will be posting them near items used in the production of crystal methamphetamine. It's all about promoting an important awareness program, says employee Norm Patterson, like anything they sell. "If you look at it the way we do business, we have a product here, and we market the product," says Patterson. "If the public doesn't know about it they won't buy into it, and they have to buy into it." The program, which was one of the first projects of the Oceanside Community Crystal Meth Task Force, trains staff to be aware of products and combinations that are used to cook the potent and addictive drug. The signage that will be posted will hopefully warn buyers who are using the product for illegal purposes that the store and its staff are aware of its uses. Guthrie says the community so far has been very supportive of the campaign. "The biggest thing that I want the community to know is the majority of people are supporting this, and behind this," says Guthrie. "They have to be a partner in it, I look at Home Hardware, Central Builders as a partner -- one of many." The program will continue into 2006, adds Guthrie, and any stores interested in signing on or in an information presentation, are welcome to contact him through Oceanside RCMP Corporal Garry Cox, at 248-6111. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake