METH WATCH SIGNS ARE UP

While employees at local stores have been learning behind the scenes
about the Meth Watch program for months now, this week their
involvement in the program will be a little more obvious.

All the signage has arrived for the program, says Oceanside RCMP
Auxiliary Constable Ron Guthrie, and stores like French Creek's
Central Builders' Home Hardware will be posting them near items used
in the production of crystal methamphetamine.

It's all about promoting an important awareness program, says employee
Norm Patterson, like anything they sell.

"If you look at it the way we do business, we have a product here, and
we market the product," says Patterson. "If the public doesn't know
about it they won't buy into it, and they have to buy into it."

The program, which was one of the first projects of the Oceanside
Community Crystal Meth Task Force, trains staff to be aware of
products and combinations that are used to cook the potent and
addictive drug.

The signage that will be posted will hopefully warn buyers who are
using the product for illegal purposes that the store and its staff
are aware of its uses.

Guthrie says the community so far has been very supportive of the
campaign.

"The biggest thing that I want the community to know is the majority
of people are supporting this, and behind this," says Guthrie. "They
have to be a partner in it, I look at Home Hardware, Central Builders
as a partner -- one of many."

The program will continue into 2006, adds Guthrie, and any stores
interested in signing on or in an information presentation, are
welcome to contact him through Oceanside RCMP Corporal Garry Cox, at
248-6111.