COUNCIL AND POLICE TAKE AIM AT CRYSTAL METH

Police and town council are joining forces to meet crystal meth head
on. Crystal meth is on their radar, including meth laboratory
operations in the community.

"We think there is at least one operating in town," said Const. Todd Woon.

The community and police have formed a crystal methampethamine task force.

The majority of crystal meth is being distributed as ecstasy. Drug
dealers capitalize on meth's cheap production cost and highly
addictive qualities to unsuspecting drug users who think they're
getting something else.

"I don't think [youth] are as aware as they could be," said Woon.
Police have receive reports that children as young as 12 are dabbling
in drugs. Parents need to inform their children about the dangers of
drug use", said Woon

"The task force is a great tool to be used."

Green Thumb Productions will perform "Cranked" to Ladysmith high
school students on Feb. 21. Cranked is a play about a youth
confronting his meth addiction.

Headlines Theatre's Production of 'Meth' will also hit the Chemainus
First Nations Community Centre on Feb. 25, 6 to 8 p.m. Children age
10 and up are invited to the free show, said organizer Toni Williams.

"The play is created and performed by people who have struggled with
meth themself," said Williams.

Meth use has been a growing problem in B.C. Last week in Surrey a
contractor came across several 45-gallon drums with unknown chemicals.