Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jan 2006
Source: South Delta Leader (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 South Delta Leader
Contact:  http://www.southdeltaleader.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1241
Author: Daniel Pi
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

METH IN FOCUS

The Delta Police Department is hoping to tackle the methamphetamine
drug issue before it becomes a major problem in the community.

The drug, also known as crystal meth or meth, is highly addictive,
cheap and easy to make, and is fast becoming a problem in the Lower
Mainland and across the province.

"Meth has become more and more of a concern in communities," said
Delta Police Const. Kim Sheridan.

"We're lucky so far in that we haven't seen what our neighbours are
seeing."

But next week Delta Police will be holding two forums on meth at North
Delta Secondary (Jan. 11) and South Delta Secondary (Jan. 12).

While police will have their drug section members out with information
displays, they have also brought in four speakers who've dealt
firsthand with the drug.

Dr. Bruce Campana will share his insight seeing meth addicts brought
into the emergency room at Vancouver General Hospital, and
toxicologist Wayne Jeffrey and coroner Terry Smith will talk about the
effects of meth on the human body.

The fourth speaker, a New Westminter Police Sergeant will share his
personal story as a parent whose child became addicted to meth and
travelled the road to recovery.

Meth can be snorted, swallowed, injected or smoked and causes a "high"
that can last up to days, keeping a user awake while decreasing their
appetite.

It can also cause paranoia and increased violence in some people,
Sheridan said.

"This (information) is something we need to get out immediately."

Sheridan said police want to raise the public's awareness so parents
can recognize the signs of drug addiction and know where to turn to
for help.

Also, business owners can find out what products they sell that could
be used to make the drug.

The meth forums take place Jan. 11 at North Delta Secondary, 11447
82nd Ave., and Jan. 12 at South Delta Secondary, 750 53rd St., Tsawwassen.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the presentations go from 7 to 9 p.m.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin