Pubdate: Mon, 09 Aug 2004
Source: Kelowna Capital News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004, West Partners Publishing Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.kelownacapnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1294
Author: Marshall Jones
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

POPULARITY OF CRYSTAL METH IS EVIDENT IN KELOWNA

Crystal methamphetamine has quickly become a favoured drug on the
streets of Kelowna and other Western cities and the provincial
government wants to do something about it.

In an unusual move, Victoria is targetting the specific drug over and
above illicit street drugs generally.

That's because across the province and even in Alberta and Washington
State, the popularity of the drug has grown substantially.

In Kelowna, two meth labs have been found and dismantled in recent
years and Kelowna City Hall is also watching closely for new bylaws to
help stop them.

Crystal meth is blamed by some for the increase in violent street
crime in downtown Kelowna.

Young adults are particularly at risk because as meth is also a
popular club and rave drug.

RCMP Cpl. Reg Burgess says meth use is definitely increasing and they
are preparing for its use in local schools.

The dangers of crystal meth are greater than with most other drugs,
not only because it is extremely addictive but because of the
difficulties in producing it.

It requires a chemical cocktail of various drugs, most of which can be
bought over the counter at pharmacies.

Combining the ingredients to make the drug can result in explosion,
fire or personal harm from breathing the fumes. And the final product
is never consistent.

Susan Brice, minister of state for mental health and addiction
services, introduced new measures to combat the drug including tighter
restrictions on the availability of the base drugs, such as cough
syrup and other medications.

She said the plan also includes supporting police in efforts to take
down the dangerous drug labs.

A side effect of crystal meth use include irritability, confusion,
paranoia, violence or psychosis. It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed
or injected.

Key portions of the strategy are broad enough to apply to any
addiction action plan but the government says there are several
reasons for focussing on Crystal Meth.

The number of overdose deaths in B.C. has risen to 12 in 2003 versus
none in 1998 or 1999. Crystal Meth now makes up 11 per cent of all
addictions services in the province.

"We have heard the growing concerns of parents, teachers and front
line workers abotu the harmful impacts of crustal meth on the people
wh use it," Brice said.

"This strategy is part of our government-wide focus on prevention and
early intervention. It will focus the full range of available
resources to discourage use and to treat those who are already
addicted to this damaging drug."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin