NO ONE'S SAFE FROM IMPACTS OF METH ADDICTION

The Delta police department recently held two community meth forums, one in
North Delta and the other in South Delta.

It was exciting to be part of the planning committee for such a worthwhile
project and I think the forums went off without a hitch. The venues were
packed, the speakers were dynamic and informative and the feedback we
received was very positive.

I also really enjoyed the presentations and took away with me the
following: Methamphetamine can have an impact on my life, no matter who I
am, where I live, what I do to earn a paycheque and whether or not I use it
myself.

Here's how it can invade the "average" person's life:

Meth addiction can affect any person or any family at any time. I, like a
lot of you, had the misconception that meth was a drug of choice for
criminals and those that live in the skids of downtown Vancouver simply
because it's relatively cheap, easy to obtain and the high is said to last
a long time. I also thought it was being used by the occasional rebellious
teen at a rave or all-night party.

The graphic and heart-wrenching presentation given by the father of two
young adults who had become addicted to meth in their late teens clearly
showed I was being naive with the perception I had of the average meth user.

This father's two eldest children had become addicted to meth in their late
teens. They came from a good family, whatever that's supposed to mean
nowadays. What I mean is they came from an obviously caring family.

They also had every opportunity and grew up in the Tsawwassen area, so for
all of you shaking your heads, thinking there is some piece of the puzzle
missing from this story and that this couldn't happen to your kids, you're
wrong.

Take a good hard look at your teen's actions and at who their friends are.
Ask for help or advice if you think you need it. You can reach me directly
through the contact information below if you have some questions or are
worried that your children may be using meth and don't know where else to
turn for answers.

The second revelation I had was this: Whether or not meth use occurs in
your family, it can still have a catastrophic impact on you or someone you
love. Some jerk that's flying higher than a kite on meth while he's
cruising around in a stolen car can come crashing into your vehicle,
forever altering your life, as you are heading to work one morning.

Your neighbour, who thinks he's a chemist but isn't, can be brewing a toxic
cocktail in his house as you read this, a poisonous mixture which could
explode at anytime. If you are lucky and it doesn't, he's most likely
draining the enormous amount of waste that is produced by the manufacture
of methamphetamine into the environment around your home.

You know that guy that broke into your house and stole your family
heirlooms which had once belonged to your great-grandmother? He's also
stoned on meth and is going to pawn your cherished items for 20 bucks so he
can buy more drugs.

As a police department, we pledge to do our best to keep this horrible drug
from invading this community as it has so many others. We are implementing
programs for businesses and youth and maintaining a zero tolerance rule at
the enforcement level.

We are doing our part, but you need to do yours as well. Report any
suspicious houses in your neighbourhood to police and talk to your kids
about drugs. Let them know you won't tolerate any drug use or allow them to
hang out with friends that are using drugs.

Become informed and stay aware of what's happening in your own home and in
your own back yard. Community safety is everyone's responsibility.

The opinions of Const. Kim Sheridan are not those of the Delta police
department. She welcomes your feedback at ksheridan@police.delta.bc.ca.