Pubdate: Fri, 03 Sep 2004 Source: Winnipeg Sun (CN MB) Copyright: 2004 Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.fyiwinnipeg.com/winsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/503 Author: Frank Landry, Legislature Reporter CITY'S CRACK ADDICTS ON INCREASE: AFM The Addictions Foundation of Manitoba has seen a startling increase in the number of crack-cocaine addicts it treats. In 1999, 35% of people admitted to the AFM reported they were cocaine or crack-cocaine users. Three years later, that jumped to 45%, according to figures released yesterday by the Opposition Tories. Conservative Leader Stuart Murray said the NDP government should reverse a recent decision to cut funding to the not-for-profit treatment centre given the high numbers. Budget Cuts "The irony here is the Doer government is supplying crack kits to addicts while at the same time cutting the budget to the AFM for the first time in history," Murray said. John Borody, CEO of the addictions treatment centre, confirmed the Tory figures and said crack cocaine has become more prevalent on Winnipeg streets. "The price has come down and its accessibility has been increasing," Borody said, noting his agency is not only treating more crack users but more marijuana users as well. Murray said the province shouldn't be cutting AFM funding when more Manitobans are struggling with drug addictions. In 1999, the AFM treated 8,103 people with various addictions. Three years later, the agency admitted 8,526 people for treatment. Provincial funding to the foundation this year dropped to $15.8 million from $16 million. As a result, 10 jobs have been cut and 14 beds closed in the primary care unit. Healthy Living Minister Jim Rondeau repeated yesterday that patients who would previously have been admitted to the AFM's primary care unit for detox will be sent to the Health Sciences Centre. City police have also been struggling with crack. "Crack is the most popular drug in the city next to marijuana," said Winnipeg police spokesman Const. Al Akre. "It's mostly dealt out through dial-a-dealers." But the highly addictive drug's effects don't last long. Drug cops say smoking a half-gram rock of crack offers a five-minute high. A quarter gram of powdered cocaine, which sells for $20, provides a high for 20 to 30 minutes. Crack addicts are left craving their next high and they'll do whatever it takes to get it. "Drug habits fuel crime. There's no way around that," Akre said. [sidebar] THE PRICE OF GETTING HIGH The going rates for crack on Winnipeg streets: - - Quarter-gram rock -- $20 - - Half-gram rock -- $40 - - Eight-ball (3.5 grams) -- $250 - - Winnipeg police drug unit - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake