Dear Editor, Provincial Health Officer Perry Kendall's overall tone [Harm reduction one route of many, April 2 Letters, TIMES] infers that we are making great progress in addictions treatment, and that we should somehow celebrate an increase in those on methadone from 8,000 to 14,000 over the past eight years. Far from making any progress, I believe we have an addictions crisis in B.C., and the huge increase in methadone users should be a sign of failure. [continues 481 words]
Editor, The Record: According to Sherry Mumford, manager of addiction programs for the Fraser Health Authority (FHA), badly run drug recovery houses are on the rise. She claims some have no food, some have complaints of intimidation and violence, and in some, there are complaints of drug dealing. She goes on to say that there are also some very good unlicensed facilities. It is likely that Fraser Health's own policies have created the problem. Currently in the FHA, if an addict is ready for treatment, the wait can be weeks before a bed is available. Addicts need immediate access to care when they are ready to accept treatment. Returning them to the street to wait days or weeks for admission to treatment loses them altogether. [continues 229 words]
Editor, The Record: Will common sense ever prevail? Justice B. M. Joyce dismissed a case against a couple when the police with a search warrant knocked on their door, announced it was the police, and after 10 seconds, used a battering ram to force the door open. The judge found the 10 seconds was not enough and dismissed the case even though a "modest sized" grow op was found as well as evidence of stolen electricity. It's really wonderful that these people have the protection of the judge, but who is protecting the police? [continues 100 words]
Re: Criminalizing drugs doesn't work (NEWS letters, Aug. 28). In her letter of Aug. 28th, Corrine Arthur provides her rationale as to why producers of crystal meth should not be jailed. She makes some valid points as far as her logic goes, however she completely overlooks a whole other world out there. The producers and wholesale distributors of crystal meth are not necessarily poor addicts trying to eke out their next fix. They are not homeless or victims. They are criminals who are profiting from creating victims. They promote property crimes and their illegal labs are extremely dangerous. They prey on the very people Ms. Arthur wants to help. [continues 206 words]
Editor, The Record: Two weeks ago I forwarded a letter regarding an epidemic that is spreading across the province: crystal methamphetamines. Those that produce and distribute this poison are targeting our kids. Fraser House is working on a forum in Mission in September, and while undoubtedly education is the key to defeating the further spread of this plague, I believe stricter penalties for producing and distributing it are necessary. To that end, I am requesting the assistance of the public to bring some political pressure to bear on our federal government to enact laws specific to this dangerous poison. I am asking that the public sign the petition that will soon be in retail stores in much of the Fraser Valley. [continues 202 words]
In your Aug. 27 edition, Mr. Randy Cairns writes that programs for street people and addicts are the solutions for the crystal meth problem. He makes some valid points, however he completely overlooks a whole other world out there. The producers and wholesale distributors of crystal meth are not necessarily poor addicts trying to eke out their next fix. They are not homeless and they are not victims. They are criminals who are profiting from creating victims. They promote property crimes and their illegal labs are extremely dangerous. They prey on the very people Mr. Cairns wants to help. [continues 161 words]
Editor, The Record: In his letter of Aug. 6, Mr. Randy Cairns writes that programs for street people and addicts are the solutions for the crystal meth problem. He makes some valid points as far as his logic goes, however, he completely overlooks a whole other world out there. The producers and wholesale distributors of crystal meth are not necessarily poor addicts trying to eke out their next fix. They are not homeless and they are not victims. They are criminals who are profiting from creating victims. They promote property crimes and their illegal labs are extremely dangerous. They prey on the very people Mr. Cairns wants to help. [continues 192 words]
For many years we have been fighting a losing battle against the production and sale of illegal drugs. While massive resources are expended chasing drug pushers, penalties on conviction are now little more than a 'slap on the wrist'. Many now argue that the battle is lost and we should instead legalize some drugs. Through all of this, a new and much more deadly drug has emerged. Crystal meth is the most highly addictive, brain destroying, and dangerous of all drugs. It is readily available, can be manufactured easily, costs little, and destroys nearly everyone that tries it. It is killing our kids! [continues 245 words]
For many years we have been fighting a losing battle against the production and sale of illegal drugs. While massive resources are expended chasing drug pushers, penalties on conviction are now little more than a slap on the wrist. Many now argue that the battle is lost and we should instead legalize some drugs. Through all of this, a new and much more deadly drug has emerged. Crystal methamphetamine is a highly-addictive, brain-destroying, and dangerous drug. It is readily available, can be manufactured easily, costs little, and destroys nearly everyone that tries it. [continues 236 words]
Editor, The Record: For many years we have been fighting a losing battle against the production and sale of illegal drugs. While massive resources are expended chasing drug pushers, penalties on conviction are now little more than a slap on the wrist. Many now argue that the battle is lost and we should instead legalize some drugs. Through all of this, a new and much more deadly drug has emerged. Crystal methamphetamine is the most highly addictive, brain destroying, and dangerous of all drugs. It is readily available, can be manufactured easily, costs little, and destroys nearly everyone who tries it. It is killing our kids! [continues 249 words]
