REACHING THE KIDS ABOUT DRUG ABUSE

Corporal Mike Mucha of the Barriere RCMP Detachment presented a
power-point presentation last Wednesday to the students of Barriere
Secondary School on the pitfalls of crystal meth.

The presentation was hosted by the local detachment with all officers
in attendance, RCMP cadet Todd English, four Barriere Ambulance
representatives, and Cst. Dean Gladue from District RCMP Drug
Awareness in Kamloops.

"We want you to understand what this drug is all about," Cpl. Mucha
told the students, "It causes permanent brain damage and paranoia in
long term users. It is 90 per cent addictive after only one use."

Mucha also warned of the drug Ecstasy which is in almost all instances
only 18 per cent pure being laced with crystal meth, cocaine, PCP and
caffeine.

Even marijuana Mucha stated is no longer the product of the 1960s when
the strength of the drug was very low.

"Nowadays the product is much stronger than before and some dealers
put crystal meth and other products into the marijuana to create
addiction and a customer that will return.

"Before you take a drug, when you can make that choice, keep in mind
what could be in it, what you are doing, and what could happen to your
life," said Mucha, "I think many of you know what has happened to some
people in Barriere who have used drugs and it could happen to your
life as well."

The presentation was graphic and to the point. Pictures shown during
the powerpoint presentation of addicts after 10 years of using crystal
meth produced exclamations and cries of "gross" from the students as
they saw the devastating physical effects of substance abuse.

The presentation ended with a call for questions from the students but
none were forthcoming.

"Have a good safe grad," said Mucha in closing his presentation,
"Don't go out and party in excess and get yourself into trouble.
Impaired driving is always a problem at this time. Have a good safe
grad and be able to remember it for the rest of your lives."