RCMP METH LAB AWARENESS EFFORT EXTENDED

A new awareness campaign aimed at helping farmers, ranchers and
others identify methamphetamine labs and related chemical dumpsites
is being welcomed in rural communities.

"I think anytime we have more eyes out there to try to identify these
dumpsites, that's important," said Al Kemmere, reeve of Mountain View
County, north of Calgary.

Through the program, and in conjunction with Alberta Agriculture, the
RCMP have conducted awareness training of provincial weed inspectors.

They, in turn, have been handing out thousands of information
brochures to farmers, meter readers, oilfield inspectors and rural residents.

The brochures provide information on how to identify labs, highly
toxic chemical dumpsites and other production byproduct waste.

The largest meth lab bust in the province took place on a Cremona
farm, 60 kilometres northwest of Calgary, in 2005.

Several dumpsites from that lab were later found along Mountain View
County roads.

"If you do see some of these things (dumpsites), get away from them
and call the police," said RCMP Cpl. Rick Goldstein, who heads K
Division's chemical diversion program.

Crystal methamphetamine is a highly addictive and powerful artificial
stimulant with many harmful effects, including tremors and death.