ALBERTA'S LARGEST METH LAB CLOSE TO HOME

"It is right here in rural Alberta and it is one of the most dangerous
drugs out there," said Constable Al Fraser. "We need to heighten the
public's awareness of it."

Fraser's comments come on the heals of what is anticipated to be one of
Alberta's largest Methamphetamine (Meth) Drug Lab busts on Wednesday, Feb.
16th at an acreage located west of Didsbury.

Members of the Didsbury RCMP Detachment responded to an unrelated matter
and encountered the sophisticated Meth Lab.

The lab set up in a barn in the middle of the acreage field overlooked a
picture perfect view of the mountains.

"Here I am standing in a field looking at the incredible view of the
mountains," describes Fraser. "Knowing that behind me is one of Alberta's
largest Meth Labs and I thought to myself this isn't the big city - this is
small town rural Alberta and it is here, the most dangerous drug."

Meth labs are extremely hazardous environments due to the variety of
chemical compounds often used during the manufacturing process. In some
cases exposure to these substances can be lethal.

"Approximately 200 lbs of red phosphorus was also discovered," said Fraser.
"Red phosphorus is a very volatile substance (explosion/fire) which
increases the dangers of these types of labs both to the police and the
public in the vicinity."

John Andrew Brown, 32, and Jody Roger McGuey, 29, both of Calgary were
arrested at the scene without incidence. Both men have been charged with;
unlawfully producing a controlled substance; unlawfully possessing a
substance, Methamphetamine for the purpose of trafficking.

"The Didsbury Detachment members need to be credited for their hard work
and the effectiveness in dealing with this volatile and dangerous
situation,"commended Fraser.

Didsbury RCMP members were assisted by RCMP members from Calgary, Red Deer
and Edmonton Drug Units along with Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response
(CLEAR) Team from Edmonton.

"A major concern that cannot be overlooked is the issue of the by-product
from this drug," stressed Fraser. "If anyone in the area should notice any
strange discoloration of snow, soil, or dead wildlife that is out of the
norm, they should contact Didsbury RCMP station."

Meth is believed to be the fastest growing drug of choice and also one of
the most addictive.

Last month the Innisfail RCMP Detachment hosted a community information
session regarding the drug Meth.

Although there are no facts to confirm Meth Labs are operating in Innisfail
it has been confirmed they are in Red Deer. With this latest discovery of
the lab in Didsbury, Sergeant Lyle Marionchuk of the Innisfail RCMP
Detachment comments on the effects of this illicit drug surrounding the
Town of Innisfail.

"It is easily accessible - there are users in this Town," confirms
Marionchuk. "It is a great concern to everyone. We have dealt with the
effects of this drug it has caused an increase in property crimes .It (the
drug) creates many victims - many more than just the person doing the drugs."

Both men charged have be remanded in custody and are scheduled to appear in
Didsbury Provincial Court on Feb. 23rd.