Pubdate: Fri, 13 Jan 2006
Source: Lac Du Bonnet Leader (CN MB)
Copyright: 2006 Lac du Bonnet Leader
Contact:  http://www.lacdubonnetleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2956
Author: Marc Zienkiewicz
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

PARENTS FIGHTING DRUGS

New Parents Against Drugs Initiative Formed In Lac du
Bonnet

Concerned parents in Lac du Bonnet have taken up a new weapon against
the town's drug problem.

North Eastman's first Parents Against Drugs group has been formed, and
their first public meeting will take place next week.

Member Debbie Lussier said the group has just been incorporated after
a year of organizing.

"Hopefully now we can get some funding," Lussier said.

"As a parent, there's a real need for this. The drug situation in this
town is getting worse."

The drug problem in LdB is no secret. The lethal street drug crystal
meth made headlines in September of 2004 after LdB business owner
Rodger Bruneau was among 10 Manitobans arrested in a nation-wide drug
bust.

The LdB Youth Recreation Centre held a workshop in April of last year
on the dangers of crystal meth, which packed the hall of the local
Legion.

Crystal meth is the street term for methamphetamine, a central nervous
system stimulant.

The drug produces a powerful "upper" similar in effect to cocaine,
generating feelings of euphoria and elation in the user. It is sold on
the street as a pink-coloured powder that looks similar to rock candy.

It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, and injected.

It is this highly addictive and very cheap drug, as well as other
drugs such as cocaine and marijuana, that Lussier said was the impetus
for the group's formation.

"It's getting bad. I have a child in (LdB Senior School) and one
coming up. It's frightening the stories I've heard, especially about
crystal meth," she said.

Local RCMP have expressed concern over the problem, but Lussier said
it's time for more parents to become actively involved in order to
prevent drug use among young people.

"Our biggest concern is awareness -- a lot of people are turning a
blind eye," she said.

"As a group, we have more power than separate individuals."

The group's numerous goals include increasing communication between
children and parents regarding drugs, as well as developing more
methods of recreation for youth in the community.

Another goal is to install video surveillance cameras within the local
school system to monitor the sale of drugs within schools themselves.

In a five-page document being distributed by the group, a plan is laid
out to purchase three cameras for the Senior School -- one for each of
the school's long hallways, and another for the parking lot outside,
for a cost of around $2,000.

"We want to make people aware we're here and we need help," Lussier
said.

The group, which currently has only a handful of members, will hold
its first public meeting at the Senior School Jan. 18 at 8 p.m.

All members of the public, including youth, are welcome to
attend.

"Hopefully we can get at least 30 members," Lussier said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin