Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jan 2006 Source: North Thompson Star/Journal (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 The North Thompson Star/Journal Contact: http://www.starjournal.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1231 Author: Jill Hayward Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) THE B.A.D. PEOPLE ARE STILL OUT THERE Barriere Against Drugs (B.A.D) is alive and well as it approaches its first anniversary in February 2006. Founded by concerned residents, police, and other local organizations who were alarmed by the growing number of crystal meth users within the community B.A.D. vowed to make a difference and with the assistance of the local RCMP they have. "We don't have to be up front and center to be perceived as active," says a B.A.D. core group member, "The group has done a lot for the community and support many ongoing programs such as Nar Anon, the volunteer community patrol and parent support groups. The Barriere RCMP have been extremely pro-active regarding substance abuse within the community and they are continuing to be vigilante." RCMP Constable Chad Purdy says, "Drugs in Barriere are an underground thing. They are not found on street corners, they're brought to homes after dark which makes them difficult to detect. Our job of apprehending these individuals relys on people within the community telling us about it." Purdy stated that there is not much the RCMP can do if the community is not supportive in their investigations. "After B.A.D. was formed last year we had tips that assisted us in pinpointing drug problems within the community and even out of the community. Now that information has dried up. People have to care enough about what is going on in their community to tell us about it." Purdy reiterated that information and tips from the public are how drug traffickers and those with grow ops are apprehended. "I really encourage members of the community to call our office or Crimestoppers if they have information we can act on." he said. B.A.D. representatives attended the provincially sponsored meth forum in Kamloops last week held at TRU where the statement was made that eight per cent of students provincially say they use meth at least once a week. Twelve pro-active adults from the Barriere area have signed-up to take a facilitator course in Kamloops the beginning of March on "How to drug proof your kids". Proulx says this is an outstanding course and the project is cost free to the 12 participants, funded by monies accessed by B.A.D. "We are currently seeking more volunteers for our community patrol," said B.A.D. chair Pat Proulx, "Anyone who likes to walk can become involved. people don't have to put their name out there. We welcome seniors, women, any adults who like to walk and are observant." Proulx encourages anyone interested in being a member of the volunteer patrol to call Lisa Quiding at 672-0033 or Pat Proulx at 672-9903. Ball caps and wristbands are on order for the B.A.D. group and will soon be available at the Volunteer and information Centre in Barriere. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom