CRYSTAL METH MAKING ITS WAY TO HIGH PRAIRIE, WARNS M.D. FCS DIRECTOR

A preemptive strike, warning and informing parents and teenagers about
Crystal Meth is how local groups hope to keep the man-made drug out of
High Prairie and area.

Sharon Strong, M.D. director of Big Lakes FCS, told council during the
July 28 meeting that the drug was making its way towards High Prairie
and brings devastating problems.

"I just want people to be aware that in communities south of us,
Crystal Meth is causing a problem," says Strang. "I think we really
need to address the problems before it becomes outrageous."

Crystal Meth is most often made with easily accessible products-which
makes its presence that much more likely-but is highly addictive and
very dangerous, adds Strang.

The High Prairie and District Partnership Council is bringing in a
speaker, scheduled for October, who will discuss drugs and Crystal
Meth.

Users are addicted after a few uses and recovery rate is only 30 per
cent, says Strang.

In communities where its presence is well known, crime rates are
soaring as users commit crimes to support their habits.

Sgt. Mike Pierson, High Prairie RCMP, says property crime is often
associated with drug use. Although Crystal Meth has not become a
problem locally, says Pierson, there's a distinct correlation between
drug use and crime.

"It's no surprise that 90 per cent of our property crimes are related
to drugs. It's a big problem here, no question."

As for whether the drug will make its presence known in the area, it's
very likely, adds Pierson.

"There's no reason to think it's not going to be. It's certainly hit
other communities in other areas . . . all we can do in the meantime
is educate parents and teenagers about the dangers of Crystal Meth and
the production of Crystal Meth."