Pubdate: Wed, 22 Dec 2004 Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB) Copyright: 2004, Okotoks Western Wheel Contact: http://www.westernwheel.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638 Author: Tara Merrin Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) INCREASE IN DRUG ACTIVITY HAS RCMP ON ALERT Okotoks has not become a haven for drug traffickers despite recent highly publicized incidents involving the illegal trade, say Okotoks RCMP members. Cst. Geoff Carpenter said although Okotoks is a short distance from Calgary and has a reputation as a high-income community, large numbers of drug traffickers are not coming to the town. "The people we have noticed who are involved in a lot of these issues, whether it be a grow-op (operation) or trafficking or other crimes, it is for the most part local people. They are getting caught up in it and one thing is leading to another," he said. Last month, RCMP uncovered a large marijuana grow operation in town and issued a warning to residents about an increase in thefts from vehicles, which it believes is connected to drug use in the community. Local police are also investigating a recent shooting and its potential links to the drug trade. "Sometimes traffickers don't like people being in their turf area, but whether that is totally related to the shooting the other day, I can't say for sure," Carpenter said. "What we do know is that no community is immune to these things." Carpenter does not feel Okotoks has a major problem when it comes to drugs, however, he said the number of crimes committed in the community is directly linked to substance abuse. Of the crimes reported, Carpenter predicts roughly 80 per cent are committed by a person who is under the influence of drugs or alcohol. "I don't think we are any different from any other community and certainly we have seen the side effects. If people have a habit and need money, they are going to do whatever they can to get money," he added. Staff Sgt. Glen Haner said although the RCMP has seen a rise in drug-related crimes, the situation could get a lot worse if crystal meth hits the streets in Okotoks. "Crystal meth is one of our biggest concerns at the moment because if it infiltrates our area, it is going to be really tough to eradicate. It is so addictive and very easy to make," Haner said. Carpenter, a DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) instructor, said he has seen first-hand what crystal meth can do to a small community. In 1995, he witnessed a meth outbreak involving six young people in High River. "Luckily for us, the main source of it departed the area and the people survived that period," he said. "But, it had tremendous and disastrous effects on them as far as physical and mental issues that took them years to overcome." Today, the most commonly used drugs in Okotoks are alcohol and marijuana despite a slight increase in harder drugs like cocaine. This information may be of some comfort to parents who smoked pot in the 1970s, but it is not the same drug today, said Carpenter. The level of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is five times higher today than it was in the 1970s, he said. "People think it's not a big deal because it is just marijuana, but it has disastrous effects. It hinders a person's ability to operate machinery, affects their day-to-day life and is worse on their health than smoking cigarettes," Carpenter added. Parents, concerned their children may be taking drugs, need to be on the lookout for any sudden changes in attitude, friends, clothing and activities. For further information parents can call Cst. Geoff Carpenter at 938-7046. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin