DEATHS FROM CRYSTAL METH JUMP AT 'FRIGHTENING' RATE IN B.C.

The number of methamphetamine deaths in B.C. this year is rising
alarmingly, according to statistics released Monday by the office of B.C.'s
chief coroner, Terry Smith.

Smith called the trend "frightening." Police say methamphetamine use in
B.C. is skyrocketing because the drug is cheap and highly addictive.

Last year, there were 12 methamphetamine deaths in the province but already
this year there have been six deaths.

In 2000, there were only two methamphetamine deaths -- one in the Lower
Mainland and one in the Fraser Valley.

In 2001, there were four deaths, followed by seven in 2002.

The chief coroner's analysis of 31 methamphetamine deaths in B.C. in the
last five years shows that the majority of victims were male, with the
highest number between 19 and 21 years old, followed by the 22-to-24 and
25-to-27 age groups.

The average age was 33, although two male victims this year were 50 and 52.
The female victims ranged in age from 27 to 51.

Two of this year's methamphetamine deaths occurred in the Lower Mainland,
two on Vancouver Island, one in the Fraser Valley and one in the Interior.

About 68 per cent of methamphetamine deaths were classified as accidental
and 84 per cent occurred in the same region where the deceased lived.

Police say the highly addictive drug has become more widespread among teens
in B.C. because of its low cost -- $10 for one-tenth a gram, referred to
among users as a "point."

The drug is so cheap that some drug dealers are giving out a half point
free to high school students to ensure a steady supply of future customers.

Three years ago the samples of synthetic drugs seized from rave parties and
night clubs showed 40 per cent contained crystal methamphetamine. Last year
the drug was in 58 per cent of samples and this year it was in 65 per cent
of samples, police said.

Victoria city council agreed last week to push for a joint emergency
meeting with the Greater Victoria school board to discuss the emerging
crystal meth problem threatening young people.

Dr. Doug McGhee, a Victoria-based family doctor who specializes in inner
city youth medicine, recently helped create a 22-minute video called Reduce
Speed, which profiles kids addicted to crystal methamphetamine.

He came up with the idea while studying inner city youth medicine at the
University of B.C.

He gave video cameras to some of the Victoria kids he had met on the
streets who were addicted to the drug, allowing them to tell their personal
stories about how the drug affected their lives.