TASK FORCE FORMED TO ADDRESS DRUG ISSUE

A Drug Response Task Force has been formed to battle the increasing number
of illegal substances in Camrose. Although drug use has increased,
Methamphetamine has reached epidemic proportions in Camrose.

Commonly called Crystal Meth, the drug has filtered down from the high
school to elementary and junior schools in the city and county.

Crystal Meth is usually found as a white or light brown powder and is
inexpensive to purchase and can give a high over a two-day period.

"A half gram, which would be about seven hits, can be purchased for around
$45 or $50," said Camrose City Police detective Lorne Blumhagen. "That's
cheap entertainment for some buddies on the weekend."

Blumhagen told community leaders who deal with youth on a daily basis, that
meth can be made from products purchased at local stores. The community
presentation was made at Ribstone Child and Family Services, Oct. 17. A
similar meeting was held about two years ago.

"To me, we don't have control of the problem yet. I think it's getting
worse, not better. The issue keeps coming up and it seems like every day we
hear from a new user."

Ribstone case investigator Jim Hunter told the attendees that young girls
have been using the drug because they lose their desire to eat. However,
rapid weight loss leads to many other problems.

"One of the most noticeable signs is a sudden weight loss."

Meth hits the central nervous system causing a rush that makes the user
feel more energy, more confident, talkative, apprehensive, alert, aroused,
restless, insomnia and distrustful.

"It seems to react a little different with everyone. They don't seem to
realize it can have tremendous negative effects and they could experience
mental health problems for the rest of their lives."

The Drug Response Task Force will look into how the community can get a
handle on the drug use in the city.

"This isn't a school issue. This a community issue and we have to educate
people," added Pace Outreach School teacher and principal Kerry LaBerge.

Effects of the use of Crystal Meth can lead to rapid weight loss, increased
acne, insomnia, paranoia, mouth sores, coughing and not thinking clearly.

"We've been told there are a couple of labs in Camrose. The manufacturing
can be dangerous because the fumes can overcome the producer or fires can
be easily started. The cooking methods are simplistic."

The task force was struck by the Camrose Social Planning Committee and is
made up of several community groups, which deal with youth, including the
Battle River Regional School Division.