METH DEATHS SIGNIFY HUGE PROBLEM: HAWES

It is likely that most people know crystal methamphetamine is simply not
good for you - and now, statistics from the B.C. Coroners Service back that up.

The number of British Columbians who have died with methamphetamine in
their systems has more than doubled in the past year and because of the
drug's popularity, accessibility and cheap price, some feel the current
toll will continue to rise.

"I'm planning on bringing this up in the legislature later this week," said
Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Randy Hawes Monday. "We need legislation on this .
. . some debate would raise awareness of issue."

B.C. Coroners Service statistics show 33 people died in 2004 with
methamphetamine in their systems, compared to 15 in 2003, nine in 2002,
five in 2001 and three in 2000. Out of the 33 deaths, 29 were men and four
were women. Out of the 33 deaths in 2004, one took place in Abbotsford [12
took place in Vancouver].

Hawes has been campaigning for legislation to help control the crystal meth
problem because it is so widespread. He helped organize task forces in
Maple Ridge and in Mission and said all levels of community and government
have to get together to effectively address the issue.

"Right now, the drugs that kids think are harmless aren't necessarily
[harmless]," said Hawes. "Other drugs are being cut with crystal meth,
[marijuana] joints are being sprayed with it . . . no one can be sure what
they're actually getting."

Hawes said meth is a drug that can affect a person so much, a six-month
detox and rehabilitation program may not be enough to get "clean."

"For some people it can take a year to get off," he said.

Hawes added the two local task forces are working on ways to identify
people addicted to meth, why they are and how they got hooked. As well,
said Hawes, they are looking at ways to get the anti-meth message into
schools and to parents.

"Making sure parents are aware [of meth] and what the signs are, that's the
big thing," Hawes said. "It's huge. Most people don't understand how big
and how frightening [the crystal meth problem] is."