Pubdate: Fri, 02 Apr 2004 Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON) Copyright: 2004, Canoe Limited Partnership Contact: http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329 Author: Nelly Elayoubi Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) POLICE BRACE FOR METH BOOM Fighting drugs is a never-ending battle. Wednesday's massive sweep made a dent in the pot and ecstasy trade, but more illicit drugs are making their way into Ottawa. Methamphetamine -- a common club drug also known as crystal meth, chalk or ice -- is expected to be the next big thing, with officials already predicting its move into the capital. Ottawa police drug section Staff Sgt. Marc Pinault said trends show movement across the country from the West Coast and it's only a matter of time before meth labs start popping up in Ottawa. VANCOUVER A HOT SPOT "We're not seeing a lot of meth in Ottawa, but we're trying to prepare for what other people are going through," he said. Edmonton and Vancouver are the areas with the most activity, mainly operated by bikers, although Pinault said some Asian organizations have been linked to meth operations in Western Canada. "Money, money, money, that's all it's about," he said. The RCMP reported 14 meth labs across Canada in 1999. In 2003, that number jumped to 26. While Pinault said it's difficult to predict when Ottawa will be home to meth labs, David Clarke, president of Canadian Emergency Planning Consultants Inc. in Barrie, guesses it's only a matter of two or three years before "it goes nuts." "The organized crime that exists in B.C. also exists in Ontario," Clarke said, noting Outlaw motorcycle gangs and Asian organizations tend to head up most of the labs in the West. Every person who learns to make crystal meth passes that knowledge on to 10 other people, making it the "Amway drug," Clarke said. But no matter how long it takes for meth to move to Ottawa, Pinault warns once it gets here, it will quickly sprout. MONTHS OF PREP NEEDED Meanwhile, drug enforcement officials in the capital are preparing and training. Pinault expects it will take six to eight months to prepare for meth labs in Ottawa, a process which includes training police, paramedics and firefighters, as well as educating the public to recognize signs of meth labs. In many instances, there are children found in homes where meth labs are being operated, and Pinault said child care workers and abuse investigators also need to be trained. "It takes time, money and resources and we're limited," Pinault said. "In my opinion, I think crystal meth is the most dangerous drug that there is." - --- MAP posted-by: Josh