TASK FORCE TO DISCUSS DRUG ADDICTION ISSUES

Cocaine use identified as local drug problem

A community drug task force is looking at ways to inform the
community about local drug abuse problems.

Jody Meyer, alcohol and drug counsellor for Summerland, says there
are six people on the committee at present.

"We're just in the planning stages with community activities right
now," he says.

He adds that there are several initiatives under consideration for
the coming year.

These include holding another student poster contest for middle
school students, providing education for employers about signs and
symptoms of drug abuse among employees, holding activities for Drug
Awareness Week in November, including school educational sessions and
offering a parenting workshop.

Meyer says the drug task force has received strong community support,
but Summerland continues to have drug issues.

"This year, we have a lot of cocaine in Summerland," he says.

Other popular drugs include marijuana and alcohol.

Crystal methamphetamine, which raised concerns several years ago, is
not as prevalent as other drugs, he adds.

Meyer says that while cocaine has been expensive, the price of the
drug has come down in recent years.

"We should really be focusing our efforts on cocaine and marijuana," he says.

"Cocaine has always been a problem."