Pubdate: Tue, 21 Jan 2003
Source: Camrose Booster, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2003 The Camrose Booster
Contact:  http://www.camrosebooster.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2438
Author: Dan Jensen

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."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom