DRUG RESPONSE TASK FORCE SEEKS CITY'S HELP

Problems with drugs in Camrose need the attention of the community as a
whole through a committed response by citizens and agencies, says Drug
Response Task Force chair Kerry Laberge.

"I'm of the belief that it takes a community to raise a child," explained
LaBerge in a drug awareness presentation to Camrose city council, January
19, with task force member Ken Flater, Camrose Police Service constable
Aaron Hamilton and AADAC addictions counsellor Tammy Richard. "The task
force is hoping that you (council) stay committed to agencies who are
supporting youth."

The Camrose Drug Response Task Force was formed this past fall in response
to what was felt was a growing presence of drugs in Camrose, specifically
Crystal Meth (also known as speed and peanut butter), an off-white crystal
power that can be smoked, snorted or liquified and injected. The chances of
becoming addicted to the drug are 46 per cent after the first time it has
been used and 96 per cent after the second time.

"I have worked with youth who have had difficulty with cocaine and
marijuana and the worst is Crystal Meth," said Laberge before presenting a
moving audio tape interview with youth who have had experience with the
drug. "The reason is that it (the drug) is highly addictive and that there
is diminished cognitive capacity in people who use it. I have talked to
people who have used it for a long time who say they do not think the same."

Treatment for Crystal Meth users who admit they are in need of help depend
on the individual and may require stays in hospital for detoxification or
referral to residential programs in Edmonton. Physical problems they may
encounter include skin pain and irritation, breathing difficulties,
inability to sleep and weight loss.

"We're not sure of the long term effects on the liver, kidney and heart,"
said Richard. "The intense pleasure that one gets from the drug is followed
by an intense crash and feelings of irritation and paranoia. Most of the
youth who are users have other issues in their lives creating stress."

Paraphernalia used in the movement of ingestion of Crystal Meth include
small plastic baggies, pencil torches and broken light bulbs which are used
to hold the drug while it is being heated. A normal hit is 15 grains, while
a gram, which is the equivalent of 480 grains, is usually sold for $80.

"Enforcement is difficult because we are dealing with such small
quantities," said Constable Hamilton, adding the drug is one of the main
sources of income for the Hell's Angels. "The reason it is so dangerous is
that it is very toxic and the chemical makeup is poisonous and flammable.
People who want to make the drug can have a mini lab in their suitcase. If
we had a lab in Camrose we would have to have a hazardous materials team do
the cleanup."

Though the worst effect is on the users themselves, Crystal Meth is also
having an effect on the increase in theft, break and enters, fraud,
shoplifting, trafficking and threats to body. One of three suppliers
arrested by the Camrose Police Service last summer (two are currently in
jail) is currently a suspect in a homicide.

"Everything is related in the spin off," said Hamilton. "It has a huge
effect on the crime rate in Camrose. We (Camrose Police Service) are trying
to be as pro-active as we can and we are glad to be a part of the drug task
force."

The presentation was especially moving for councillor Durand, who fought
back tears in expressing how she felt about the drug's effects on local youth.

"I feel sorry for those kids who are caught," she said. "These are not bad
kids that this is happening to and it is heartbreaking."

Ending discussion on a more positive note, Flater said the community is
responding and beginning to get ahead of the problem.

"We (in Camrose) are better off than some other communities in the
province. There is a lot of interest from other communities in what is
happening here as a model for them to be able to follow."