CRYSTAL METH PRESENTATION ENLIGHTENS AUDIENCE

Melfort Journal - The North East Leisure Centre was packed with people last
Tuesday night when local parents, teachers, health care providers and
concerned citizens attended a presentation on crystal methamphetamine, also
known as speed.

Two very educated speakers on the topic went over recognizing use and
trafficking, what to do about it, and additional information about the
drug. The presenters were Sgt. Jerome Engele, Co-ordinator of the Saskatoon
Integrated Drug Unit, and Patti Sebestyen, a High School teacher with the
Catholic School Board.

Sgt. Engele started the program with a story to demonstrate how a seemingly
inconspicuous amount of cannabis sold to two kids, has connections to
theft, vandalism, organized crime, grow operations and prostitution. And in
turn, how that affects the public.

Sebestyen gave a humorous, but serious chat about how to deal with kids,
and what to watch for. She listed reasons why parents may have suspicions
of their children including locked doors, new friends, and unusual behavior.

She emphasized how important it is to be an active parent by asking
questions, becoming involved in your child's life, knowing where they are,
what they are doing and with whom, as well as avoiding the buddy role many
parents take on.

Both Sgt. Engele and Sebestyen broke down the facts about crystal
methamphetamine use in Saskatoon. Sgt. Engele showed statistics for those
caught with the drug in Saskatoon in 2003, a total of 47 charges, ranging
in age from 13 to 72. He went on to say that meth use is definitely on the
rise.

Reasons for its popularity include affordability, the high it gives, and
how addictive it is.

Sgt. Mark van Schie, NCO of the Melfort RCMP confirmed the audience's
question of whether it is present in Melfort.

Glenn Hantke attended the clinic. He said it was very informative and the
presentation was pretty effective.

"I came because I was just interested. We work with young people at the
youth centre at our church. It's about people's kids, it's very important,"
said Hantke.

Sebestyen was very pleased with the response. As she looked out over the
crowd, she said, "I think by the number of people here, it proves people
care, are concerned and want to do something."