DRUG PROBLEM NOT JUST IN BIG CITIES

"This is not like a hunger. It is like when your bladder is full and you're
trying not to think of if, but you have to go."

That was how Dr. William Hendricks described the cravings a substance
abuser feels once he or she is addicted.

It was only one of many insights into the drug industry given to
approximately 100 people attending the Drug Awareness Evening at Queen
Elizabeth Junior High School.

The evening was presented by the Wetaskiwin Community Solutions Committee
as a way to educate residents about the drugs found in the community.

"We've especially seen an increase in the last six to eight months," said
Barb Olsen, speaking on behalf of the committee. "We're here to provide
support to people on the front line, mainly AADAC and the RCMP."

About eight months ago, Wetaskiwin RCMP saw the number of crimes related to
drugs start to rise, said Insp. Brian Simpson.

"We had drug issues before -- cocaine, smoke dope, ecstasy, alcohol and
prescription drugs. But then we saw crack cocaine grow in popularity."

Theft of vehicles and petty break-ins increased.

Now crimes are becoming more organized, he said, referring to two groups
which stole ATVs from two separate dealerships in Wetaskiwin one night
before hitting Ponoka the following evening.

Two armed robberies have occurred at the Mini Liquor Store and the Dairy
Queen, Simpson reported.

The police are experiencing an increased level of violence.

"We've had some knock down, drag out fights with these individuals," he said.

As well, more reports of violence are being made, not to lay charges, but
so the police know that if someone turns up dead they may have an early
suspect.

While many people may not want to confront the reality that a variety of
drugs can be purchased in Wetaskiwin, ignoring it is not an option, said
Simpson.

"You may sit at home thinking you're immune to this, but you'll be paying
through the pocket in education, policing and health care." The local
detachment is doing what it can, he said.

The RCMP have kicked in more drug houses this year than ever before, only
to see them set up again in a new location within a matter of days.

It already has three GIS units and is considering a fourth.

Officers are also now being trained how to handle the highly toxic labs
used to create synthetic drugs.

With two labs taken down in Devon, Nov. 27, it is only a matter of time
until they will be found here, Simpson predicted.

"Putting a police officer on each corner in this town won't deal with
this," said Simpson. Anyone in the community suspecting a drug house has
set up nearby should report it to the RCMP, he said.

"The solution doesn't lie with one person or one agency, but it does lie
with the community.

"The key is education. I can arrest 10 guys for selling this stuff and
within an hour there will eight to replace them and two more will show up soon.

"That's because it's profitable and the dealers themselves are addicted."

Twenty-four per cent of AADAC's clientele report using cocaine, but
marijuana and designer drugs, such as crystal methamphetamine and ecstasy
are also reported to the local office.

"We cannot separate the health of individuals with the health of the
community," said Pat Kelley, AADAC addictions counsellor. "All (drugs) come
with a price tag and as with anything in life, you don't get something for
nothing.

"It is critical for all of us to be informed so we can respond in a
knowledgeable fashion."

Drug use is not tolerated in the high school, but the scent of marijuana
can be detected in the hallways, said Glen Miller, WCHS student counsellor.

"On a daily basis we are smelling students who smell of pot," he said.

Anyone found using pot is sent home for the semester or introduced to the RCMP.

Anyone, smelling of pot, but says they were standing next to someone
smoking it is sent home to change their clothing.

"We are seeing more pot in around our building than we've seen for years
and years," said Wayne Neilson, WCHS principal.

"It concerns me that we see so much of it when it can lead to something
more." Student council is now looking at the problem.

Previously no one was sent away from school dances, whether they smelled of
the drug or not, Miller said. Student council is now reconsidering that.