COWICHAN CONCERN CRYSTALLIZED

It was a family affair.

A community forum on crystal meth held Tuesday night in Duncan drew
parents, grandparents and hundreds of kids of all ages to learn about
the dangerous drug raising its head in the Cowichan Valley.

The 550-plus turnout thrilled organizer Const. Darren Lagan of the
North Cowichan/ Duncan RCMP. Similar events in other communities have
drawn as few as 30 people.

"They want to keep it out of our Valley. They want to stop it. That
just shows the people who produce and sell this drug that the parents
and teachers - the community - won't tolerate it."

RCMP drug awareness expert Const. Beth Blackburn wove news clips,
facts about the highly addictive drug and short films showing B.C.
meth users into her presentation at the Cowichan Theatre.

It didn't pull any punches, showing a close-up video of meth sores -
like a cigar-sized hole in one addict's back - and the prattling
mania of a young Vancouver meth addict who spoke of trading sex for drugs.

Also shown was the video Death by Jib, which has drawn criticism -
not for the graphic first-hand stories of drug use or sexual
exploitation but because of repeated swearing.

Despite a warning to the near-capacity crowd at the beginning of the
short film, no one left their seats.

Alleta Newnham said some of the information was hard to stomach but
worth sitting through.

"It's creepy but I'm glad I know," the 12-year-old said.

While the audience spanned all age groups, most youth in the crowd
were between 12 and 16.

It was particularly valuable to see parents and their kids attend the
forum together, said Lagan.

Kids want information from their parents but parents often don't have
the facts to give them, he explained.

"And to see the younger kids was important because that's when that
message needs to start," said Lagan. "You give them information to
make better choices."

"I think it's good for people to be exposed to what's going on out
there so they don't try it," said Virginia Hughes, 12, who came to
the forum with some friends.

Kids in the theatre were hungry for that information, asking most of
the audience questions during the panel discussion with counsellors
and RCMP that followed Blackburn's presentation.

"The drug and alcohol problem in the Cowichan Valley is growing,"
said panel member Linda Lendrum, who works with the school district
through South Vancouver Island Assessment and Referral Services. "At
one time it was high schools and middle schools and now it is
affecting the elementary schools," "Before (the forum) I wouldn't
ever think of doing drugs but it's good information for people who
are undecided," said Alexandra Young, also 12. "Maybe now they won't do it."

On the heels of Tuesday's successful event, the RCMP are now looking
at hosting other community forums about youth violence, internet
safety and other topics.