CRYSTAL METH REPORT TO CALL FOR MORE DETOX TREATMENT SPACES

CALGARY - Specialized courts that would send drug users to treatment
and hundreds of new beds for addicts are among 83 recommendations to
be released today by a provincial task force formed to fight the
spread of crystal meth in Alberta.

Government sources speaking on condition of anonymity say the report
calls for a minimum of 100 new detoxification beds and at least 200
new treatment beds across the province.

The task force, formed in October 2005, heard repeatedly about the
need for more treatment resources for addicts, said Colleen Klein,
who was appointed to co-chair the initiative by her husband, Premier
Ralph Klein.

"We've got some very remote areas that don't have access (to treatment).

"There has to be access for all and no one should be denied."

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive stimulant that can be made
using household chemicals and solvents to extract its key ingredient
- -- ephedrine -- from common over-the-counter cold and allergy medications.

Treatment is only one area touched on by the task force: it also
makes recommendations on improving drug education for youth, changes
to the justice system and increased police resources targeting crystal meth.

The report calls on the federal government to change the Criminal
Code to include tougher sentences for people convicted of making and
selling meth, as well as imposing tighter controls on precursors used
to make it.

For addicts, however, the task force is recommending a different
approach: specialized courts that offer treatment instead of jail for
those deemed eligible -- usually non-violent offenders who commit
crimes to pay for their addiction.

Specialized courts have reduced drug-related offences in many U.S.
jurisdictions since they were introduced more than a decade ago.

"Instead of slapping everyone in jail, you provide healing," Colleen
Klein said during an interview.

Edmonton already has a federally funded drug court and officials in
Calgary recently formed a committee to establish one there.