RCMP CONTINUE TO BATTLE CRACK COCAINE ADDICTION

The Drumheller RCMP are addressing the problem of crack cocaine in
the community head-on, raising awareness of the severity of the
problem and unveiling new initiatives in an effort to combat it.

"It has been an ongoing problem in the community for a number of
years," said Staff Sgt. Rene Wells of the Drumheller RCMP, "and it
seems that every time we charge someone with possession or
trafficking of crack cocaine, someone else comes in and takes their place."

Wells said the type of users and traffickers varies from long time
residents of Drumheller to others who have come in from different
parts of the province and country.

Addressing the crack cocaine problem in Drumheller is a very high
priority for the RCMP and is a main part of their community plan.

In the first six months of 2006 the RCMP laid 29 charges on
individuals for possession of crack cocaine and 14 charges for
possession of crack cocaine for the purpose of trafficking said Wells.

"It's unfortunate really that in a boom-time we are seeing the growth
of our economy but we are also seeing a growth in crack cocaine
trafficking," said Wells.

`According to Wells, crack cocaine used is not specific to a certain
age group, and the RCMP have laid charges on individuals ranging from
16 years of age to 50.

The use of crack cocaine also introduces other problems, such as the
spread of diseases like Hepatitis and HIV.

A growth in crime around the community can also be directly linked to
the rising growth of drug use and trafficking said Wells, and
poly-drug use also needs to be addressed.

"When you talk to people who used to be addicted to crack cocaine,
they always say their high was like being on top of the world and
when they would crash it would be unbearable," said Wells. "So they
would seek other drugs to lessen the severity of that crash, but that
was never the case."

Wells explains that is a major reason for the prevalence of other
drugs that come with crack cocaine use, such as morphine pills, to
lessen the crash after the high.

The supply line for these drugs is mainly coming from Calgary said Wells.

The drug problem has not affected Drumheller alone and other
communities are feeling the pressure of growing use and trafficking.
Though the problem may be the similar, the substance being abused can
be different said Wells. For instance many communities subjugated
along Highway 16 are facing a major problem with rising use of crystal-meth.

"We have to remain vigilant and work together," said Wells.
"Enforcement alone is not going to solve the problem. We need a
multi-faceted approach working in collaboration with community
groups, like the Badlands Drug Coalition."

The Drumheller RCMP held a 'Crack Symposium' with the Badlands Drug
Coalition in February of 2006 in an effort to bring the problem to
members of the community, about-face.

"The message we received from the community was overwhelming," said
Wells. "Many people said they came back with a better understanding
of the problem. I think it opened the eyes of a lot of people."

The Drumheller RCMP is teaming up with the Badlands Drug Coalition
once again with a new poster campaign that will target different
groups in the community.

Three new posters, designed by local artist Kelly Kuhl, depict the
harsh reality of crack cocaine use and will soon be posted on walls
around the community.

"We spoke to recovering addicts and the feedback we received was some
of these images really hit home with them," said Wells.

The first group targeted with the new poster campaign is crack cocaine users.

The second reaches out to business owners within the community.

"The business community has a responsibility in this problem as
well." said Wells. "With low unemployment and employees dealing with
addiction issues, business owners need to become active in dealing
with the situation. A healthy employee is a productive employee."

The third and most far-reaching group targeted will be members of the
community who think the crack cocaine problem has no effect on them.

"We want to target the people who think 'if I don't use these drugs
and no one in my family uses these drugs then it's not my problem'.
What they have to realize it is a major problem, and it impacts us
all," said Wells.

Along with the poster campaign, the RCMP and the Badlands Drug
Coalition will be holding another 'Crack Symposium' in the winter.

"We are constantly plugging away here. The people at the Badlands
Drug Coalition are a determined group and it's very refreshing to be
able to work together with them and I am confident we are going to
prevail," said Wells."