SARNIA HAS A 'SIGNIFICANT METH' PROBLEM

Think crystal meth is a West Coast problem? Think again, says RCMP
Cpl. Brent Hill.

Since 2006, the RCMP has busted six large crystal methamphetamine labs
in Ontario controlled by organized crime.

"Crystal meth is present in the Sarnia area," he said.

Don't just take Hill's word for it. Const. Mel Wright, a longtime
officer with the Sarnia police, said "we do have a significant meth
population here in Sarnia."

The drug is growing in popularity and production, Hill said during a
seminar last night at the Sarnia Library called, Crystal Meth: Why Risk It?

"We just don't have the number of addicts to sustain the amount of
meth being produced in this province," he told an audience of about
150 people.

The danger today, as opposed to the meth of the '70s, Hill said, is
today's drug is five times more potent.

Statistics bear that the drug is the most addictive illegal substance
on the market. Less than six per cent of users are able to get and
stay sober.

"It is the most hideous drug I've seen in my 20 years as an officer,"
Hill said.

Another concern is that users are creating drug labs in residential
neighbourhoods.

Drug recipes to concoct methamphetamines, ecstasy and other drugs are
easily accessible online, Hill said. People have started cooking drugs
in their homes, apartments, offices and schools.

"You could find a drug lab just about anywhere," he
said.

The ingredients, which include pseudoephedrine the active ingredient
in Sudafed and other cold medications iodine crystals and red
phosphorus, are readily available.

"If you can bake cookies you can make meth," Hill said.

However, cooking cookies won't cause your house to explode, he said.
Because addicts don't want to get caught, and are so hooked on the
drug, they'll risk life and limb to get them, Hill said.

"When I started in policing, we wore jeans and T-shirts to a bust.
Now, we wear full chemical suits."

Cops must also deal with users' violent and psychotic
delusions.

Wende Wood, a psychiatric pharmacist with the Centre for Addiction and
Mental Health, said while crystal meth isn't an epidemic, it is a concern.

"It's a cheap party drug," she said.

"And you get more bang for your buck with meth."