Pubdate: Thu, 22 Apr 2004
Source: Toronto Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2004, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  http://www.canoe.com/NewsStand/TorontoSun/home.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/457
Author: Jason Botchford, Toronto Sun
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

COKE CRISIS FEARED

Drug 'Cheaper Than It's Ever Been'

Families of former teen cocaine users are fearful Toronto schools and 
police aren't doing enough to stem the drug's apparent increase in 
popularity. "It's cheaper than it's ever been, it's addictive and it's 
everywhere," said Martha, 38, whose son was recently arrested for dealing 
cocaine.

"The people who are focusing on Ecstasy and marijuana are missing the 
point. Cocaine is available all over Toronto. I don't think parents have 
any idea.

"The thing is, large quantities are getting into the city somehow and it 
doesn't seem like anyone's even talking about it."

LOBBY GROUP FORMED

Benjamin Reed, whose son is a recovering addict, said he is now organizing 
a group of Toronto parents who will lobby educators and police officers to 
spend more of their time focusing on educating youth about cocaine.

"For a long time, all anyone heard about was Ecstasy and marijuana and you 
know what happened? Cocaine use darted right up the middle," Reed said. "We 
can't ignore it anymore."

Reed said his group will focus on trying to get more money to fund efforts 
to keep the drug out of Canada.

Canada Customs is spending more money, hopeful its new move to go high-tech 
will slow down the drug trade.

Customs officers are counting on the new Vehicle and Cargo Inspection 
System (VACIS) to improve searching techniques. It's a $2-million piece of 
equipment mounted on a white truck that uses gamma rays to examine cargo.

The mobile scanning system can capture images of contents in trailer 
shipments and marine containers.

It's hoped the equipment will strike the right balance between keeping the 
economy flowing and keeping the drugs out.

Sarnia prosecutor Michael Robb, who has dealt with cases involving illicit 
drug shipments, said he has seen more and more cases of truckers trying to 
smuggle drugs.

"We've had more cases where they are pulled over for the odd examination 
and these illicit substances have come up," Robb said.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager