Pubdate: Fri, 11 May 2007 Source: Observer, The (CN ON) Copyright: 2007, OSPREY Media Group Inc. Contact: http://www.theobserver.ca Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1676 Author: Jack Poirier Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) SARNIA HAS A 'SIGNIFICANT METH' PROBLEM Think crystal meth is a West Coast problem? Think again, says RCMP Cpl. Brent Hill. Since 2006, the RCMP has busted six large crystal methamphetamine labs in Ontario controlled by organized crime. "Crystal meth is present in the Sarnia area," he said. Don't just take Hill's word for it. Const. Mel Wright, a longtime officer with the Sarnia police, said "we do have a significant meth population here in Sarnia." The drug is growing in popularity and production, Hill said during a seminar last night at the Sarnia Library called, Crystal Meth: Why Risk It? "We just don't have the number of addicts to sustain the amount of meth being produced in this province," he told an audience of about 150 people. The danger today, as opposed to the meth of the '70s, Hill said, is today's drug is five times more potent. Statistics bear that the drug is the most addictive illegal substance on the market. Less than six per cent of users are able to get and stay sober. "It is the most hideous drug I've seen in my 20 years as an officer," Hill said. Another concern is that users are creating drug labs in residential neighbourhoods. Drug recipes to concoct methamphetamines, ecstasy and other drugs are easily accessible online, Hill said. People have started cooking drugs in their homes, apartments, offices and schools. "You could find a drug lab just about anywhere," he said. The ingredients, which include pseudoephedrine the active ingredient in Sudafed and other cold medications iodine crystals and red phosphorus, are readily available. "If you can bake cookies you can make meth," Hill said. However, cooking cookies won't cause your house to explode, he said. Because addicts don't want to get caught, and are so hooked on the drug, they'll risk life and limb to get them, Hill said. "When I started in policing, we wore jeans and T-shirts to a bust. Now, we wear full chemical suits." Cops must also deal with users' violent and psychotic delusions. Wende Wood, a psychiatric pharmacist with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, said while crystal meth isn't an epidemic, it is a concern. "It's a cheap party drug," she said. "And you get more bang for your buck with meth." - --- MAP posted-by: Derek