MONEY TO HELP COMBAT SPREAD OF CRYSTAL METH

SUMMERLAND -- A local organization is getting $44,500 from the
provincial government to aid in its fight against the spread of
crystal meth.

The Summerland Asset Development Initiative (SADI) will get $10,000 in
seed funding -- a portion of the $2 million the government is giving
to the Union of B.C. Municipalities (UBCM) -- to support
community-based drug abuse programs.

The remainder of the money will go to the SADI positive lifestyles
pilot program to promote healthy and active lifestyles among local
youth which is being done through Summerland secondary and middle schools.

The $34,500 is part of $5 million going to UBCM to support health
promotion programs throughout the province.

"This seed funding will support the work of the Summerland Asset
Development Initiative in educating people about the dangers of this
terrible drug and their efforts to get this scourge off our streets,"
said Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe who announced the funding Thursday.

"We are committed to tackling the crystal meth (problem) and working
hand-in-hand with community-based groups and municipalities to find
solutions and stop this drug from destroying families and lives."

SADI coordinator Michelle Stefan welcomed news of the funding, saying
her organization looks forward to working with the provincial
government and other community agencies to combat the problem.

In addition to those monies, the province has invested $3 million in a
crystal-meth awareness program and $2 million for treatment of addicts.

In an attempt to stop the production and sale of the drug, the
government is also working with pharmacies, police and retailers to
identify bulk sales or thefts of the ingredients used to make it.

"Crystal meth is a deadly chemical cocktail that is both incredibly
addictive and incredibly damaging," said Thorpe. "The best people to
help curb this problem here in Summerland are the people who live and
work in our community."