COUNCIL LEARNS THE DANGERS OF METH

It's ugly and it's not welcome in Camrose.

The comments from local teens about the effects of crystal meth brought
tears to the eyes of city councillor Mary Durand.

"These are not bad kids, it's just heart breaking," said an emotional Durand.

Members of the Drug Response Task Force made a presentation on the drug
during council's Jan. 13 meeting.

Constable Aaron Hamilton with the Camrose Police Service and a member of
the DRTF explained what meth is, what parents can look for and the effects
it has on users.

"Crystal meth has been around here for about two and a half years, to three
years, but it really began to show up last summer," he said.

Not only did he produce pictures of what the drug paraphernalia looks like,
but he brought out actual samples of seized items, including a sample of meth.

Users often times binge or continue using for a number of days.

"One individual told me he'd binged for 50 days and had only three days of
sleep."

Meth is a stimulant that at first makes users feel alert but soon turns
addictive. Forty-six per cent of first time users will become addicted and
96 per cent of second time users will look to meth as their drug of choice.
While users enjoy a rush or high, they in turn will also face a crash or
low period after drug use.

The off-white crystals can be found very easily in Camrose and come in
folded papers or colourful baggies, enticing young users. "It gives the
illusion that it's harmless," Hamilton added.

What makes the drug even more dangerous is how it's created, using highly
flammable chemicals such as muratic acid, lye, acetone, brake fluid, brake
cleaner, iodine, lithium metal and batteries, lighter fluid and drain
cleaners to name a few. Hamilton said hazardous waste teams are often
called in to dispose of the labs.

Labs can be packed in a suitcase and easily transported into hotel rooms or
a garage.

The Hell's Angels allegedly control the supply of the drug.

"They have been supplying meth since the 60s and crystal meth is just a
different form and is a bit more potent."

The drug is given to suppliers to sell. Hamilton said Camrose has three
major suppliers who then sell the drugs to runners who distribute it to
users and to each other.

"We've had very good success in our intelligence unit and have two major
suppliers in jail."

The drugs are consumed in a variety of ways. It can be smoked, injected
through a syringe or vapors can be inhaled. Also enticing is the price of
the drug. One grain can be purchased for $15.

"One grain is the usual dose for a first time user."

Hamilton said because the market is flooded the price has dropped
dramatically. One gram over a year ago used to cost $250 and today it can
be purchased for $80. About 480 grains are in one gram of meth.

"Heavier users will use the gram amounts and will inject it rather than
smoke it."

Frustrating to the police and members of the community is the rising crime
rate because of increased drug use.

Police have laid more charges in the areas of shoplifting, trafficking,
uttering threats, theft of and from motor vehicles and fraud. Hamilton also
noted that suppliers have been known to carry firearms.

"We had one suspect who was suspected in a homicide in Edmonton," he added.

Council listened to a tape containing stories from Camrose and area users
of meth. They openly and honestly told the interviewer what it was like
being high on meth, the effects after using it and if young people should
try it.

One teen said, "this stuff is bad. It'd be the bottom thing that you could
get. It's the dirtiest, worst thing you could do cause, like, it has the
most effects and it's the crabbiness, like you know it's just crap."

Principal of PACE Outreach School Kerry Laberge said he's dealt with a lot
of young people who battle with substance abuse, but crystal meth is by far
the worst drug he has seen. He added because of its highly addictive
nature, the lack of understanding held by the youth, the serious health
effects and the diminished cognitive capacity of the youth who use crystal
meth, it can destroy lives.

"Of the 200 youth that I have talked to personally about crystal meth use,
there has always been one thing about the process that has shocked me. In
talking to a first time user or an individual who has been using meth for
an extended period of time they consistently state that they do not think
the same."

The hope and struggle continues in the war on crystal meth.

"We're actively seeking all people relating to crystal meth to deal with
the problem," added Hamilton.

As the school resource officer and DARE instructor he is telling students
the drastic impact the drug has.

"They (the older students) have heard of it, but they don't know what's in
it. They're asking some really good questions and we've had good feedback
from staff and parents on our presentation."

Through education and enforcement, Hamilton hopes crystal meth will
eventually leave the community.