CONFERENCE TO TARGET CRYSTAL METH CRISIS

VANCOUVER -- Ice, jib, glass or speed, whatever street name it may
take, experts agree the highly-addictive drug crystal meth is a
terrifying problem in North America. Now, hundreds of those experts
are converging on Vancouver this week for a conference to address the
escalating crystal meth crisis.

More than 250 delegates, health-care workers, police and social
service providers are meeting for the first Western Summit on
Methamphetamine.

"This is quite a milestone and accomplishment," said Kathleen Butler,
spokeswoman for Vancouver Coastal Health, one of the sponsors of the
event.

"It's the first time ever that stakeholders from across Western Canada
are meeting to look at this and develop an approach."

Butler said it's a serious problem.

Dubbed the Dark Crystal by many, the drug can be bought for as cheap
as $5 a hit and the effects can last for days, keeping users awake and
sleep-deprived.

"It's so addictive," said Rob Morgan, a spokesman for the Vancouver
Area Network of Drug Users.

Morgan has tried crystal meth himself.

"It scared the hell out of me."

The dangers of jib include elevated blood pressure and risk of stroke.
Symptoms include anxiety, depression, mental confusion, and violence.

The results of the summit will be used in a guidance document that
will show communities how they can best tackle the problems of use and
production.