POLICE FIND CRYSTAL METH IN SHELBURNE

Public Information Meeting June 29

In an effort to generate awareness and educate the public about the
harmful effects of illicit drugs, Shelburne Police will hold a drug
awareness forum later this month.

The meeting, slated for June 29, is in response to concerns that a
highly addictive street drug called crystal meth has made its way to Dufferin.

"Paraphernalia that is used to consume (the drug) was found in the
parking lot of the high school," said Sgt. Mark Bennett referring to
Centre Dufferin high school in Shelburne. "The residue found on the
item was tested and (the results) came back positive for
methamphetamine or crystal meth."

Crystal meth (one form of the drug methamphetamine hydrochloride)
comes in clear, chunky crystals, which is either inhaled or smoked.

Meth or "ice" has become the most widespread and popular form of the
drug, largely because it can be easily reproduced (instructions are
widespread on the Internet) in something as small as a car trunk, police say.

The drug is made by mixing a cocktail of about 15 substances, mostly
pseudoephedrine (found in cold remedies), red phosphorous and iodine,
as well as ammonia, paint thinner, ether, Drano and the lithium from batteries.

An investment of about $150 can yield up to $10,000 worth of the
drug, according to police.

"It is so addictive, there is a 96 to 98 per cent likelihood that
you'll become addicted to it the first time you use it, and your
second time is almost guaranteed," Bennett told The Banner. "It's
pretty powerful stuff."

The drug, which contains amphetamine (used to treat attention deficit
disorder), has made its way from western Ontario, likely Stratford,
said Bennett.

Negative side effects include disturbed sleep patterns,
hyperactivity, nausea, increased aggressiveness and irritability.
Long-term negative effects, in high doses, can include heart, liver,
lung and kidney damage.

Meth is considered one of the most addictive street drugs around, and
one of the hardest addictions to kick. The drug is prevalent in
small, rural towns in both Canada and the United States.

Police are now working to get the word out on its devastating effects
before the problem spreads, Bennett said.

The public information session is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
at Grace Tipling Hall on Main Street East in Shelburne, June 29.