METH TASK FORCE BENEFITS ARE ONGOING

It's been seven months since a local crystal meth task force wrapped
up their work and indications are the drug's scourge has been largely
controlled in Oceanside.

"Parksville's program has been cited as one of the most successful
programs in B.C.," says Kevin Wilson, executive director for the
Society of Organized Services. "We're very proud. It's because of our
community partnerships."

A comprehensive 90-day initiative that began in June of 2005 and aimed
to stop the manufacturing, distribution and use of crystal
methamphetamine in local communities has resulted in tangible and
positive results according to the RCMP and others.

Ex-users "tell us they're not using anymore,' says Cpl. Garry Cox of
the Oceanside RCMP. "We're finding less and less of it around."

As further proof that the war on the dangerous and highly addictive
drug is being won, Cox points to the diminishing prevalence of petty
crime often linked to a user's need to find money towards its purchase.

He describes the reduction in these types of crimes as "substantial,"
though he wouldn't cite statistics.

"We're not getting the large rash of overnight break-ins (or addicts
smashing their way into a car) for a couple of pennies," he says.

Cox went on to note that he has yet to see the actual manufacturing of
crystal meth in Oceanside.

Services to assist young users towards rehabilitation have been beefed
up as well, in response to the task force's work. An educational
program to warn of the drug's dangers is "already approved" says
Wilson and should soon be available in local schools as part of the
mandatory curriculum. It, says Wilson, will be aimed at the 12 and
13-year-olds "who are targeted by the dealers."

Also new, as a result of the emphasis on reducing meth's prevalence,
is the availability of another half-time addiction counsellor in
Parksville, and two foster home beds for stabilization and supported
recovery. Wilson says the Safe Harbour Supported Recovery Home and its
related services will cost approximately $85,000 annually and will be
jointly funded by the Vancouver Island Health Authority, the Ministry
of Children and Family Development and the SOS.

A retrospective report issued by the OCCMTF says parents are now more
aware of the issues surrounding the drug's use and indicates that
youth workers, involved with up to 60 meth affected clients in the
fall of 2005, now have only a few remaining on their caseloads.

Ongoing work in relation to problems stemming from the drug's use
includes the Meth-watch program which engages local merchants in
placing controls on the ingredients in meth, and first response
education for emergency service personnel.

An 'open school' that sought to aid youth involved with the drug and
assist them in returning to school on a full-time basis was run out of
community facilities and may be re-implemented in the future.

Members of the original committee continue to meet monthly to discuss
particular projects and assist with disbursement of funds.