COKE CRISIS FEARED

Drug 'Cheaper Than It's Ever Been'

Families of former teen cocaine users are fearful Toronto schools and
police aren't doing enough to stem the drug's apparent increase in
popularity. "It's cheaper than it's ever been, it's addictive and it's
everywhere," said Martha, 38, whose son was recently arrested for dealing
cocaine.

"The people who are focusing on Ecstasy and marijuana are missing the
point. Cocaine is available all over Toronto. I don't think parents have
any idea.

"The thing is, large quantities are getting into the city somehow and it
doesn't seem like anyone's even talking about it."

LOBBY GROUP FORMED

Benjamin Reed, whose son is a recovering addict, said he is now organizing
a group of Toronto parents who will lobby educators and police officers to
spend more of their time focusing on educating youth about cocaine.

"For a long time, all anyone heard about was Ecstasy and marijuana and you
know what happened? Cocaine use darted right up the middle," Reed said. "We
can't ignore it anymore."

Reed said his group will focus on trying to get more money to fund efforts
to keep the drug out of Canada.

Canada Customs is spending more money, hopeful its new move to go high-tech
will slow down the drug trade.

Customs officers are counting on the new Vehicle and Cargo Inspection
System (VACIS) to improve searching techniques. It's a $2-million piece of
equipment mounted on a white truck that uses gamma rays to examine cargo.

The mobile scanning system can capture images of contents in trailer
shipments and marine containers.

It's hoped the equipment will strike the right balance between keeping the
economy flowing and keeping the drugs out.

Sarnia prosecutor Michael Robb, who has dealt with cases involving illicit
drug shipments, said he has seen more and more cases of truckers trying to
smuggle drugs.

"We've had more cases where they are pulled over for the odd examination
and these illicit substances have come up," Robb said.