LLOYDMINSTER WAGES WAR ON DRUGS

Stricken by rapid growth in the local drug trade, Lloydminster is
carefully sharpening a plan to strike back.

Concerned residents, businesses and local law enforcement have
recently begun working in conjunction with the City of Lloydminster in
formulating a made-in-Lloydminster drug action plan to combat the
city's increasing problems with illegal drugs and drug-related crime.

Officials are keeping a tight lid on the project in the early stages
as the terms of reference are being finalized. But Tom Lysyk, senior
director of corporate affairs for the City, said the plan -- still in
a "very conceptual" stage -- is targeted at giving the community more
muscle in dealing with the drug trade.

"Face it, in most of the crime that's committed, there is a link to
drugs and that's where the community is most concerned," said
Lysyk, adding the fight against drugs often begins with members of the
community. "If the community is unwilling to take action, what do you
expect the police or the government to do? We want to find ways and
means -- all legal of course -- for education, awareness, enforcement,
anything that will help quell these (drug-related) problems."

Lysyk said March 24 will be a critical date as "large and
medium-sized" stakeholders in the community will gather to determine
the direction of the drug action plan.

"Drugs affect every area, from the small stores and shops to the
oilfield, to the school division," said Lysyk. "A drug action plan has
elements of awareness, but also has push in some areas."

Staff from the Walter A. 'Slim' Thorpe Recovery Centre in Lloydminster
are involved in the development of the drug action plan. Program
manager Sharon Jackson said crack cocaine remains the popular drug of
choice in Lloydminster, and with new harmful drugs like crystal meth
emerging, Lloydminster faces a serious threat.

"Our community has some really great values and when you get any kind
of drug disfunction going on you can lose that value system," said
Jackson. "A committee that can come together and pull people together
will be a great strength that will carry the entire community to
wellness and maybe save some lives in the process."