COSTS OF DRUG EPIDEMIC ENORMOUS

Editor, The NEWS:

Re: The Meth Nightmare (March 17).

I've read the articles that appeared in your Wednesday edition and I think
that Mike Hall has done a really good job of painting a picture of the
social side of the problem. I'd like to suggest that Mr. Hall turn his
considerable talents to a deeper analysis ... the cost(s) to the public of
the problem. A case in point is the recent "take down" of a meth lab in the
10500 block of 240 Street (Three people arrested in meth lab bust, NEWS,
Feb. 28).

The raid was carried out by the Organized Crime Agency, which is now under
the authority of the RCMP. After the initial policing action comes
considerable costs of which the public is likely unaware, and might be
interested to know. The cost to the landlord is unbelievable. The house in
question (because of chemical contamination caused by the meth. operation)
is now likely a "tear down". The chemicals used in the operation were dumped
in the back yard of the premises. The entire place is highly toxic now and
needs to be cleaned up.

How much will it cost and who pays? There is concern that the drainage from
the yard could contaminate the near-by creek. The federal fisheries
department is involved apparently. What is the cost of cleaning that up? And
how much did the initial police action cost (including pre-raid
surveillance, warrant development, etc.)?

Learning the "social" costs of the drug problems gets people shaking their
heads, but having the hard financial data that hits them in the wallet may
galvanize people to take action, even if its only to be careful to whom they
rent their property and to monitor the goings-on in their rental units a
little more closely.

I look forward to hear from you about this suggestion.

Thomas Craddock
Maple Ridge