ESCALATING CRYSTAL-METH CRISIS PROMPTS VANCOUVER SUMMIT

Ice, jib, glass or speed, whatever street name it may take, experts agree
the highly addictive drug crystal meth is a terrifying problem in North
America.

Now, hundreds of those experts are converging on Vancouver this week for a
conference to address the escalating crystal-meth crisis.

More than 250 delegates, health-care workers, police and social service
providers are meeting for the first Western Summit on Methamphetamine.

"This is quite a milestone and accomplishment," said Kathleen Butler,
spokesperson for Vancouver Coastal Health, one of the sponsors of the event.

"It's the first time ever that stakeholders from across Western Canada are
meeting to look at this and develop an approach."

Butler said it's a serious problem.

Dubbed the Dark Crystal by many, the drug can be bought for as little as $5
a hit and the effects can last for days, keeping users awake and
sleep-deprived.

But even more unsettling is the slew of over-the-counter chemicals the
synthetic stimulant - increasingly popular with high school youth - can be
made from.

Battery acid, brake fluid, floor-stripper and flammable retardants found in
fireworks are just a few of the ready-made products that make up the
glass-like shards that users usually smoke or snort.

The drug first became popular in the rave scene, but has spread to
mainstream use across social strata. Its dangers include elevated blood
pressure and risk of stroke.

Long-term use might lead to permanent psychotic symptoms.