POLICE URGE RESIDENTS TO TAKE STAND AGAINST DRUGS

Drugs are a prevalent problem in High Prairie, says S/Sgt. Dan McNaughton of
the local RCMP. The only way to battle the problem is to get the community
involved.

"I am concerned about the drug use, particularly in the young adult and
youth age groups," says McNaughton in a July 24th interview. "Cocaine is
very prevalent in the community."

Marijuana is another problem. One that hasn't been seen to date, is Meth
Amphetamine.

Known as speed, ice and meth, its presence has been noted in surrounding
communities, says McNaughton.

"If the trend continues, I would not be surprised to see it here."

High Prairie's police are seeing more drugs and more drug use, he adds.
Evidence is often found when area residents come across something they least
expected.

Most recently, a resident of High Prairie, found a small baggie filled with
crack-cocaine in their yard. Picking it up, they were immediately suspicious
and brought it to the High Prairie detachment.

Police confirmed that the baggie, cut down and twisted at the top for easy
disposal, was filled with approximately 10 rocks of crack cocaine, giving it
a street value of approximately $100.

There are numerous barriers to the fight against drugs.

The recent de-criminalization of marijuana doesn't help the fight, adds
McNaughton. But it will not decrease police efforts.

Marijuana is viewed as a "gateway" drug. Users often graduate to other
drugs. Rarely do you find a drug user who started out on cocaine, says
McNaughton.

High Prairie has a problem, he adds. And police need help from the public to
lessen it.

"It's a community effort."

Police will continue their efforts. But, says McNaughton, they'd like to
hear more from area residents.

"In this community we have a few very highly visible drug
traffickers-everyone knows who they are."

A phone call from a resident noting suspicious activities, such as vehicles
coming and going from a residence, staying for short periods of time, would
result in local police working the case.

It does take that level of cooperation, says McNaughton. No one is
encouraged to take on the role of vigilante, but offering up information
when they have it, is a positive step.

"Drugs are poisoning our youth . . . I would like to see this community move
forward in the battle against drugs."

As for the individual who lost the baggie filled with crack cocaine, local
police are holding the item.

"The owner, the person who lost it, is encouraged to come to the police
station to claim it," says McNaughton.