Pubdate: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 Source: Regina Leader-Post (CN SN) Copyright: 2014 The Leader-Post Ltd. Website: http://www.leaderpost.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/361 Author: Heather Polischuk Page: A1 DRUG SEIZURES SHOW CRYSTAL METH STILL A PROBLEM Although it's too soon to say if Regina is experiencing an upswing in crystal meth, a number of recent arrests and seizures show the drug is still very much a part of the city's drug scene. Sgt. Todd Wall, sergeant in charge of the Regina Integrated Drug Enforcement Street Team (RIDEST), said an investigation into methamphetamine that began between a month and 1 1/2 months ago resulted in searches of six locations and nine arrests over the past couple of weeks. Six of those people are facing charges specifically related to that drug. Other drugs were also seized during the searches, as were a number of weapons - including long guns and handguns - and other items. During the 2 1/2 years that Wall has headed up the unit, he said there have been meth seizures, "however, this recent investigation has netted a noteworthy quantity." "The last 2 1/2 years, we have seized meth in smaller quantities here and there, so we know that it exists, but these seizures here in the last month, month and a half, have been noteworthy." He said it's hard to say at this point whether the larger amount of meth seized in the course of the recent investigation is a sign that there is truly more of the drug out there or whether it's simply the result of the way police resources have been deployed. "When you direct investigative resources to any one crime, you're more than likely going to get results," he said. Wall said cocaine is still the most prevalent drug on Regina streets. That said, crystal meth (a form of methamphetamine) comes with its own set of problems for those who use it and for those tasked with trying to deal with it. "It's a highly addictive drug," he said. "It's lifealtering as far as behaviour and also health. Once you get addicted to it, it creates all kinds of health issues throughout the body and is a very highly dependent-type drug where you need to keep fuelling the high that you initially get. It's a stronger addictive drug to break away from." Behaviourally, Wall said users can exhibit psychosis, unpredictability, and even violence, potentially leading to other serious crimes or making it more difficult for police when they have to interact with those users. Also of concern in the recent drug busts were the number of weapons seized at the locations searched, leading to involvement from SWAT in executing the search warrants. "Any drug investigation, weapons are always a concern to the police," Wall said. "It's something we have to deal with when we go to arrest people, whether it's in their car or it's in their house. When it comes time for the enforcement part of it, it is a safety concern for ourselves, but it's also a safety concern for the public." There is no indication those arrested during the recent seizures are members of any specific, known organized crime group, although Wall said even less-organized drug circles typically have some form of chain of command. While RIDEST - and the other units and agencies involved in this recent investigation - have taken a quantity of meth off the streets, Wall said police are well aware there is always more out there. Police ask that anyone with information about illegal drug activity contact the Regina Police Service at 306777-6500 (ask for the Drug Info Line), or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477. - --- MAP posted-by: Matt