Pubdate: Wed, 28 Sep 2005
Source: Orillia Today (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005, Metroland Printing, Publishing and Distributing
Contact:  http://www.simcoe.com/sc/orillia/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1508
Author: Frank Matys
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mdma.htm (Ecstasy)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH MIXED WITH ECSTASY

Communities unprepared for the arrival of crystal meth will pay a heavy 
toll in the form of broken homes, rising crime and ruined lives, city 
council heard this week.

"The consequences are dramatic," OPP Det. Sgt. James Ciotka said on Monday.

Although Ciotka has seen little evidence to suggest methamphetamines are as 
readily available in Orillia as crack cocaine or marijuana, he said no 
community can afford to be complacent.

He warned that users of popular party drugs like Ecstasy may already be 
ingesting crystal meth unwittingly, as dealers are increasingly lacing 
their products with the highly-addictive stimulant to drum up repeat business.

As a result, future drug seizures will be tested for evidence of crystal 
meth, allowing police to better gauge its presence in the Orillia area, 
Ciotka said.

Photos provided to council of a woman ravaged by meth addiction left an 
impression on Coun. Ralph Cipolla, who said educators must play a role in 
discouraging its use. "We can't always put the onus on the police to 
educate the kids," he added. "The school boards have to take the first step 
at an earlier age. This is not like some drugs where you get high once and 
that is it. This is so dangerous."

Coun. Paul Spears agreed, and suggested that a DVD featuring graphic images 
of an addict could prove helpful in the classroom. "It might shock, but it 
gets the message out," he added.

Cheaper and longer-lasting than crack cocaine, the drug's use is already 
rampant in many west-coast communities, including Vancouver.

Officers there execute an average of three search warrants daily at the 
homes of suspected dealers and manufacturers.

Dismantling the potentially explosive labs is also taxing on resources, 
requiring 20 to 30 officers, a decontamination unit and assistance from the 
fire department and other emergency personnel, Ciotka said.

Local officers involved in OPP-run drug education programs targeting 
elementary-school students are now stepping up their focus on the drug and 
its associated dangers, Insp. Jim Szarka told council.

"That is a clear message that we need to get out to everyone, prior to them 
using it the first time," he added.

The sooner the better, said Ciotka.

"When we are targeting kids who are 14 or 15, I think it is too late." 
Police have also encouraged local pharmacists to store cold medicines and 
other ingredients used in the production of crystal meth behind the 
counter, where access is restricted.

"When people come in and ask for a case of cough medicine, the signals go 
up," Ciotka said.
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