DRUG USE HAS NO AGE LIMIT

It's no secret that drugs are a problem in this region, in this city;
and marijuana seems to still be the illegal drug of choice among users
and sellers.

Drug offences increased by 31 per cent in 2007, up from 2006,
according to an annual report released by Waterloo Regional Police.
That is a significant increase and suggests that despite the best and
ongoing efforts of local drug prevention education programs, illegal
substances are still making their way into the bodies of local addicts.

More than 850 offences for marijuana possession were committed last
year. There were a total 1,442 offences in Waterloo Region related to
drugs, including the possession and trafficking of marijuana and cocaine.

While heroin is not as prevalent in the region as cocaine or
marijuana, it, too, is here.

Cracking down on youth crime and gangs is considered by the public as
a top policing priority at the regional level, according to the
regional police service's annual citizen survey.

"We can't do this alone," Chief Matt Torigian says of the need for
communities to collectively aim to prevent drug use and
trafficking.

Making a positive impact on youth and instilling the values of a
drug-free life are efforts that our regional police already put forth
through school programs. However, there is no age limit when it comes
to who chooses to smoke, snort, or inject the various downers or uppers.

If you know someone - mid-teens, mid-20s, or middle aged - who uses
drugs, ask them: is it really worth it?