COPS DEAL WITH METH

Crystal meth (methamphetamine) is a growing problem among local drug users,
RCMP Const. Dean Maxwell says. Mounties were called to two incidents during
the past week which involved meth users, and both were armed with knives,
Maxwell said.

The first incident occurred at a local gas station, where police answered a
report of a disturbance. Mounties attended and found a man with a knife who
admitted he was on crystal meth and had a severe drug problem.

The man was armed with a five-inch knife and said he wanted to cause harm to
himself, Maxwell said.

The other local incident involved a missing woman who was reportedly
involved with crystal meth and carried a knife.

Maxwell said he was recently told by a 13-year-old that the teenager knew
where he could buy crystal meth for $5. The dealer's location was apparently
common know-ledge among teen-agers.

Unlike marijuana, meth is extremely addictive and takes over the lives of
addicts. There are no weekend users, Maxwell said.

Mounties say 47 per centa =A8of first-time crystal meth users develop an
addiction. After a second use, the addiction rate soars to 92 per cent.
Although no crystal meth labs have been found in the Valley, it is extremely
easy to make and most ingredients can be bought over the counter in
pharmacies and supermarkets.

Symptoms of a clandestine lab include:

* unusual strong odors (ether ammonia or acetone)

* blacked-out windows in a building.

* renters who will pay only in cash

* people coming and going at unusual times;

Anyone who suspects a meth lab in operation is asked to contact the RCMP,
338-1321 or Comox Valley Crime Stoppers 338-8477 (338-TIPS).