DRUG INFORMATION SESSION SET FOR NEXT WEEK

Evidence of one of the most highly addictive and destructive street
drugs was found recently at Centre Dufferin District High School, and
Shelburne Police Service is hosting a special information session
next week to educate parents and young people about the deadly
effects of crystal methamphetamine.

Sgt. Mark Bennett with the police service said usage of the drug is
sweeping across the province like an epidemic so it shouldn't come as
a surprise that police have discovered traces of it in Shelburne.

"Though we held out no illusions that it wouldn't eventually arrive,"
he said during an interview last week, "our hope is that if we can
make people aware of its presence and effects it will have a minimal
effect on the families in this community."

The police service will host a free information session at the Grace
Tipling Concert Hall on Thursday, June 29, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Officers will be available to discuss the dangerous effects on the
community along with information about marijuana grow houses. Parents
and teenagers are invited to attend the session.

Crystal meth, as it is known, is one street form of the drug
methamphetamine hydrochloride. It comes in clear, chunky crystals
which are then inhaled, ingested or smoked. It is also called ice,
crystal, glass or tina. The drug can be easy to produce in kitchens
or bathrooms by mixing a cocktail of about 15 ingredients, mostly
the cold remedy pseudoephedrine, along with toxic substances like red
phosphorous, iodine, ammonia, paint thinner, ether, Drano and lithium
from batteries. It is reported that for an investment of about $150
drug manufactures can make up to $10,000 worth of the drug on the
street.

Sgt. Bennett said that one of the most frightening aspects of crystal
meth is that it is so highly addictive. Experts say addiction can
occur after just one use and it is one of the hardest addictions to
treat. The relapse rate of 92 per cent is worse than that for cocaine.

The drug stimulates brain cells creating a rush and euphoric mood.
The intense pleasure lasts only a few minutes, and users can become
addicted and dependent quickly, needing more and higher doses as the
addiction progresses.

Besides the euphoria the drug also causes irritability, insomnia,
confusion, hallucinations, anxiety, paranoia and increased
aggression. In higher doses, hypothermia and convulsions can cause
death.

The drug can cause irreversible damage. The increased heart rate and
blood pressure damage blood vessels in the brain, which can cause
strokes, or irregular heart beat, which can cause cardiovascular
collapse and death.

Sgt. Bennett said the service's main goal is to reach people before
they experiment and become addicted. He said parents should watch for
any unusual behaviour such as weight loss, increased high energy and
inability to sleep.