Pubdate: Tue, 07 Feb 2006 Source: Gateway, The (U of Alberta, CN AB Edu) Copyright: 2006 Gateway Student Journalism Society Contact: http://www.gateway.ualberta.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3149 Author: Mike Kendrick Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) CAMPUS 'IDEAL LOCALE' FOR THRIVING DRUG CULTURE: WALTON Retired Calgary Detective Discussed Canada's Move From Drug-Consuming Nation To Major Producer Students and local law enforcement officers were given the "dope on dope" Friday when a former undercover drug officer and best-selling author shared his experience with guests, giving those in attendance a heads up on the drug threats surrounding campus life. Detective Steve Walton, a retired 25-year veteran of the Calgary Police Service and Sergeant in the Undercover Drug Unit, lectured audiences in Lister Conference Centre on his time on the force, aiming to raise awareness of the trends and dangers surrounding popular drug culture, including sexual assault. "I think we find a lot of predators [on campus] who aren't associated with the school," he said. "With so many young females around, they would seem like easy targets for cases of drug-related sexual assault." Although drug trafficking and use has not dramatically increased in academic environments in recent years, Walton noted that the 18--24 age demographic found on campus is an ideal locale for the culture to thrive. According to Statistics Canada, only one in ten cases of sexual assault are actually reported. In a sampling conducted by Walton during a 48-hour span on an October weekend in Calgary, 29 cases were reported, in which 16 of the cases involved some form of drug or alcohol present in the victims or the culprits, and 100 per cent of the victims were female. Highlighting the use and production of drugs on campus, and especially the disturbing proliferation in the use of crystal meth in the Edmonton area, Walton's lecture went on to cover the details about the use, effects, and street jargon associated with the drug, as well as marijuana, cocaine, opiates (such as heroin), and phencycladines (PCP or "angel dust"), offering advice on how to recognize and how to deal with suspected use in campus residences. "Today, more than ever, you're going to see the impact of not only drugs, but the production of drugs," Walton said, adding that in recent decades, Canada has shifted from a drug-consuming nation to a drug-producing nation, most notably in marijuana grow operations. "Today, most of the smoked [marijuana] is made right here in Alberta. At any given time, it's estimated there are 4000 illegal marijuana grow operations ongoing." However, marijuana grow ops are less likely to be found in campus residences. "[Marjiuana grow ops] are difficult to hide," Walton said. "They have an odour about them, and to grow any number of plants would be difficult to conceal." Walton said the bigger threat in recent years has been that of synthetic drug production labs, such as those that produce methamphetamines. "Synthesis laboratories are the most dangerous. They're the most difficult to detect, and probably the most likely, I'm afraid to say, that you would encounter [in residence]," he said. "In an academic environment, you have access to those chemicals, and you have individuals who have the know-how to put those products together." Walton's lectures have been a part of an ongoing program for the past six years, in which time he's talked to campuses, police services, businesses, and other organizations where knowledge of the signs and actions relating to drugs could be of importance. "Drug production is a trend," Walton said. "When I put this program together, I felt obliged to talk to you about it, because it's going on out there." In addition to his lectures, Walton has also written numerous essays and two volumes in his own book series, A First Response Guide to Street Drugs, which have sold over 40 000 copies and serve as both quick references and in-depth databases on street drugs and culture. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom