CRYSTAL METH FORUM SET FOR TRU

There's no mincing of words when it comes to crystal meth.

Solicitor General John Les calls it an extremely dangerous, vicious
and deadly drug, one which he'd eliminate if he could.

"Some studies have shown up to 10 per cent of our young people have
used this drug at least once," said Les, who will be a featured
speaker at a forum in Kamloops this Thursday.

"That's a pretty alarming statistic for me. I want to ratchet that
down to zero."

Victoria is taking its fight against the notorious narcotic to the
road, sponsoring community meetings. Others will be held in Vancouver
and Prince George.

Les said Kamloops was selected given its location and the fact
there's been work done to address the drug's devastating effects
through Meth Kickers, a six-week program for those wanting to quit.

For the team leader of the program, the community meeting is a
positive step, and one he hopes will debunk some of the myths around
crystal meth.

"It's a good opportunity for the public to hear what the drug really
is . . . and demythologize this drug, which has turned into this evil
demon," said Bob Hughes, who will attend the meeting on behalf of the
Phoenix Centre.

He said while the drug is highly addictive, and there are high rates
of relapse for people that go through treatment, "people do get well
from it. There is hope."

Hughes said people have to be careful to not put their focus on one
drug, to the exclusion of others.

"It's not a drug that is totally different from others. We see people
addicted to alcohol, cocaine."

Still, he is glad for the meeting, given there is significant public
interest to know more.

Les said the meeting is intended to raise public awareness and also
encourage community response.

The solicitor general will be joined by other speakers, including
Darryl Plecas of the University College of the Fraser Valley,
considered an expert on the scope of methamphetamine use and production in B.C.

The community forums on crystal meth are part of a $7-million funding
package announced by Premier Gordon Campbell in September.

The money is going toward community and school-based programs,
treatment and other health-care options, and also for broadly based
public education.

Thursday's meeting in Kamloops will be held from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at
the Thompson Rivers University Grand Hall.