BUSINESS WARNED ABOUT METH USERS

Edson businesses should be handling credit cards more carefully as the
transactions could be linked to methamphetamine users, warned a Edson RCMP
member.

Corp. Glenn Henry and Rania Page, an addictions counselor with the Alberta
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission (AADAC), advised businesses how to handle
meth-related problems at the Edson and District Chamber of Commerce
meeting, May 26.

Henry cited one example where a woman allegedly financed her addiction by
using stolen credit cards over the phone.

He later explained that RCMP believe addicts use a barter system with their
meth suppliers. For example, cigarettes would be used as currency to pay
for a hit of meth, also known as speed. The cigarettes would be obtained by
using the stolen credit card.

Businesses should check the signatures of credit cards and consider asking
for identification to prove the holder is the actual owner of the card.

"These are very seasoned con artists. Be aware. This is your business,"
said Henry.

Chamber members were also told how to identify speed users in case they
have an employee who is an addict. Page described addicts as paranoid
people who have bad hygiene and can become very violent. When a user
crashes, they will sleep for a long period of time in order for their body
to recover from the high.

Henry added it is hard to pin down an addict and businesses should contact
previous employers before hiring.

"Ultimately how do you know a person is a meth user? You don't. I suggest
you do your homework. Don't take anyone at face value." Most people become
addicted to speed after one use, added Page.

AADAC has a series of pamphlets, which provide advice to employers on how
to address drug addictions in the workplace.

"We're trying to tell people this is a problem and it's a growing problem,"
said Henry.