POLICE WARN OF CHEMICAL COCKTAILS

Anyone who thinks designer drugs aren't a problem in smaller cities like
Nanaimo is sadly mistaken, says a Vancouver police officer and drug expert.
RCMP Cpl. Scott Rintoul is a court recognized expert on chemical drugs and
he says Vancouver and Victoria aren't the only cities affected by them.

"Everyone thinks marijuana, cocaine and heroin are the three big drugs on
the streets, and that is so far from the truth," says Rintoul.

"Our streets are extremely dangerous when it comes to the drugs that are
out there, and every parent must know exactly what their children will be
exposed to."

Rintoul is doing what he can to help educate parents.

On Thursday (Nov. 15) at 7 p.m. he will be presenting a free education
forum at the Port Theatre and he hopes the venue will be packed with
parents and others who are concerned about designer drugs.

"A lot of parents are reluctant to talk to kids because they don't know
what's out there, and certainly after Thursday's presentation they'll have
a lot better understanding about what's out there and why certain drugs are
being used," says Rintoul.

Designer drugs are made from chemicals like methamphetamine or PCP. They
are created in crude home laboratories and sold on the streets. A dose of
methamphetamine sells for about $10.

Young people are becoming attracted to meth (formerly known as speed)
because of the long-lasting high it produces.

Rintoul says B.C. is on the verge of a methamphetamine epidemic. "It's
extremely addictive. It's worse than cocaine," says Rintoul.

"It's just an ugly, ugly drug. I was recently talking to an 18-year-old boy
who quit using ecstasy because he thought it was boring. He loved
methamphetamine."

Rintoul notes there are some disturbing trends with chemical drug use.
Users are combining the drugs for specific effects, thereby increasing the
dangers of overdose or death.

"This poly drug use is happening everywhere, and it's a very scary trend,"
says Rintoul.

And the problem isn't just associated with those all night dance parties
known as raves.

Chemical drugs are being used mainstream society, says Rintoul.

That's why Rintoul hopes his presentation Thursday night will attract a
full house.

The forum runs from 7 to 9 p.m.