CRACK'S A PROVINCE-WIDE SCOURGE

CALGARY -- Crack cocaine use is rampant across the province, a new
report shows, and many Alberta towns are grappling with the fallout.

From Lethbridge to the oilsands and elsewhere, crack and its link to
organized crime are identified as a more serious problem than
marijuana and methamphetamines, according to the recently-released
Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta annual report.

"Crack cocaine was reported as the most prevalent drug in the majority
of regions last year," the report states.

It goes on to note thatcrack cocaine trafficking and abuse are also on
the rise in the area that stretches west of Edmonton to the B.C.
border, north to the Northwest Territories, and east to
Saskatchewan.

"The illicit drug trade in this region points to a preference for
crack cocaine, followed by marijuana, ecstasy and crystal
methamphetamine," the report states.

The problems surrounding the drug trade and increased crime are linked
to the booming economy, especially in the red-hot oilpatch.

Crack cocaine addiction and the crime that funds it are also growing
problems for Lethbridge, according to the report.

"Crack addicts have admitted to involvement in the city's large number
of armed robberies in order to grab some cash so that they can feed
their addiction," it states.

In Red Deer, which is also experiencing an economic boom, RCMP Const.
Kathe Deheer said crack is certainly a rising problem.

"Crack cocaine is the drug of choice," she said.

"We are finding that it is more common than in past years."

Brooks Mayor Don Weisbeck said he's not surprised cocaine is listed as
the most widespread drug in Alberta for 2006.

"It's certainly the one that worries us the most - it's the one that
we're focusing on," he said.