EDUCATION VITAL IN BATTLE WITH CRYSTAL METH

Crystal meth touches people from all walks of life with many users
starting in their youth.

To stem the spread the provincial government will contribute $3
million to preventative education.

"We know crystal meth use is a problem," said Education Minister Shirley Bond.

Although the vast majority of students -- 86 per cent according to
one survey -- have never used any "party drugs," including crystal
meth and ecstasy, most first-time use of crystal meth occurs in grades 9 or 10.

"Research shows that about five per cent of students in grades 7-12
may have tried crystal meth," said Bond. "Our government believes
that one person using crystal meth is one person too many. And the
best way to stop someone from using it is to keep them from ever
starting. That's why education is so important."

Penticton secondary school principal Pete Corcoran said the
province's initiatives are welcomed as he has seen the drug's effects
come between students and their education.

"It's not the drug we see most students using as a first choice, but
with those who exist on the fringe, it's a drug that can have a
significant effect," Corcoran said. "We have seen students who
haven't been able to complete their educational program as a direct
result of crystal meth."

Corcoran attributes the destructiveness to the drug to the fact that
it's cheap, manufactured easily and 20 per cent of those who use it
become addicted.

Meth is a synthetic drug and can be manufactured locally using
ephedrine or pseudo-ephedrine -- the active ingredient in cold
medications -- and other chemicals, including acetone, drain cleaner,
lithium, iodine, paint thinner, kerosene, red phosphorous and muriatic acid.

The school-based program and public education campaign -- which are
aimed at students, parents and teachers -- includes classroom lessons
and resources that help youth make healthy and informed decisions,
teacher resources that support the classroom lessons, a parents'
guide that provides information needed to talk to children about the drug.

"These resources are just a few of the many ways government is
delivering on its commitment to fight crystal meth use and to invest
in B.C.'s children and future," said Bond. "These tools will help
students and all young British Columbians make healthy choices that
will allow them to reach their full potential."

"B.C. is on the front lines in the fight against crystal meth as part
of our commitment to safer communities," said Solicitor General John Les.

"We're working with police to shut down meth labs and bring down
organized crime groups, but at the same time we also need to reach
out to students, parents and teachers, so this education campaign is
the natural next step."