METH TASK FORCE FORMED

A task force has been established to try to stop methamphetamine use
from becoming more prevalent in Chatham-Kent, Lambton and Essex.

The Addiction Network of the Erie St. Clair Local Health Integration
Network met Wedensday to discuss the threat of crystal meth in the
area. By the end of the meeting, eight members of local emergency
services, municipal council and health-care workers from Chatham-Kent,
Lambton and Essex formed a task force to address the use of meth and
other prevalent drugs.

"Through these three counties it is not a big problem," said Willy Van
Klooster, executive director of Westover Treatment Centre. "What we
would really love to do is set up a system that discourages those
people from coming in and starting to make it and sell it."

Methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth, is a highly addictive
drug, said Van Klooster. "It's very cheap and it's a very quick high,"
he said.

Several of the key ingredients are corrosive materials, such as
fertilizer, drain cleaner and paint thinner, found over-the-counter,
but can have dangerous health effects. Instructions for producing
crystal meth can be easily found on the internet.

Within the past two years, Van Klooster said the number of people
treated for methamphetamine addiction in the area has increased
significantly.

Although it appears to be small meth operations in the area at the
moment, Van Klooster said organized crime units are starting to join
the business and establish multi-kilo labs.

"We don't see it as a big issue yet," he said. "If labs get
established, very quickly the numbers go up."

Rural areas are particularly appealing for meth labs because of the
low traffic and access to fertilizer, another ingredient used in the
drug.