METH RELATED CRIMES NOT PRESENT YET

Seizing a new opportunity, Harper transferred to the Columbia Valley
RCMP detachment last April. Harper explained that the crimes
associated with the use of methamphetamines aren't present in the valley
yet.

"The meth problem in the city was very prevalent," said Harper, noting
that crimes, particularly theft, accompany meth addiction. "We're not
seeing the crime that is associated with meth use here right now."

Harper explained that the theft generally starts at home, from friends
and family, and can escalate to auto theft and random violent attacks.

Theft tends to accompany the tweaking stage, where addicts have gone
long periods without eating or sleeping and are in need of another
hit. Tweaking can occur within three to 15 days of initial use. Harper
noted that there's a 40-50% chance of becoming addicted to crystal
meth after one use; a statistic that swells to 96% after second use.

Since meth is generally held in disdain among the drug-using
population, most individuals who become addicted to meth aren't doing
so intentionally. Harper explained that dealers often cut crack and
ecstasy with meth, which is cheap to produce and an easy filler in
other drugs.

"Ecstasy is very prevalent in this valley and contains methamphetamine
and at very high doses can have devastating physiological effects. So
kids using it have had some exposure to amphetamines," said Harper.

Harper explained how the valley's proximity to Calgary makes it
susceptible to drugs being brought in.

"Our highway is a pipeline for drug transport, between Calgary and
here and all the way down to the (United) States border," he added.

Small communities surrounding Calgary, notably Cochrane, have
experienced increased rates of meth use and production. Crystal meth
can be made with minimal ingredients, obtained at pharmacies and
hardware stores, with directions on how to manufacture it readily
available online.

In addition to our close connection with Calgary, there is a large
transient population, especially in summer seasons, opening the door
for new drugs to infiltrate the valley. Awareness is the key to
preventing a drug like meth from taking hold in a small town.

"Education is the key role. You can't stop it but you can certainly
try and keep it to a minimum," said Harper. "The town doesn't need to
panic, but they need to be aware of it and observant of any changes.

"Be vocal about it versus closed-minded. And don't be afraid to talk
to your kids about it."