Pubdate: Tue, 19 Apr 2005
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Province
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Author: Matthew Ramsey
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

'AN AVALANCHE COMING THIS WAY'

In 1998, B.C. RCMP officers investigated eight meth labs. Three years 
later, officers took apart 11 labs and three ecstasy producers. By 2004, 
the number of lab busts had shot up to 19.

Sgt. Mike Harding of the RCMP says that most labs discovered today are 
considered "super labs," producing relatively large amounts of drugs.

In neighbouring Washington state, super labs are giving way to small, 
highly-mobile operations that are easy to set up and easier to leave behind.

"It's just starting. It's an avalanche coming this way," says Archie 
Roberts, a training officer with the Vancouver fire department.
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