Pubdate: Mon, 13 Nov 2006
Source: Clipper Weekly, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2006 The Clipper Weekly.
Contact:  http://www.clipper.mb.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2370
Author: Dana Trapp

LEARNING THE DANGERS OF METHAMPHETAMINE

Do We Really Know What Methamphetamine Is and How It Effects Us? Do 
You Know the Signs, the Damage, and the Addiction It Causes?

The Springfield Regional Committee hosted a Crystal-Meth and products 
awareness presentation at the Springfield Collegiate Library on 
November 2nd. More than 40 individuals from the community came to 
listen as Sargent Marc Samson of the Drug and Organized Crime Unit 
presented some very interesting information to those in attendance. 
Children, parents, grandparents, EMS workers, and several others came 
to listen as Samson explained what Crystal-Meth was, the short and 
long term effects on those using this illegal substance and the 
production methods used today.

As a police officer who has spent 19 years on the force, 15 of these 
years have been spent in the Drug and Crime Unit, where Samson has 
gained a wealth of knowledge, experience, and education.

"This drug is extremely powerful and addictive," explained Samson.

I personaly was amazed at the addictive potency this drug carries, 
the physical changes one develops when using, and the ingredients 
used to make it.

This drug, which is either smoked, snorted, injected, or administered 
orally, affects the central nervous system and has many short and 
long term side effects too numerous to list here.

"You won't be a meth addict for 20 years, you'll be dead long before 
that," explained Samson. "Your entire life will be spent wanting to 
get high again. It's extremely expensive and taxing on the community. 
This will not go away if it is not addressed."

Samson easily held everyone's attention throughout the presentation 
in which he shared several stories and life experiences he's 
witnessed over the last 15 years.

The ingredients or chemicals required to make this drug were shocking 
and are very available for purchase. For every one pound of 
crystal-meth created, more than five pounds of hazardous waste is 
left behind. These chemicals, and the array of their combinations, 
are potentially lethal and toxic.

Meth lab's are often the cause of explosions and fires that injure 
and kill not only the operators, but innocent bystanders, neighbors, 
law enforcement officers and firemen.

Some meth lab operators experiment with other chemical mixtures, 
producing unknown toxic and hazardous chemical waste and fumes that 
may also cause the death of many innocent people.

The chemicals and fumes that permeate the walls, carpets, plaster and 
wood in meth labs, as well as the surrounding soil, are know to cause 
cancer, short-term and permanent brain damage and immune and 
respiratory problems.

"Many of these people do not have a chemist background. If something 
goes wrong when making meth and it blows up, you're going with it," 
explained Samson.

Following his presentation, Samson answered several questions, one 
individual asking in particular if these types of labs were already 
in our community.

"I'm sure they are. It is important to educate yourself about these 
sorts of things. Educate your children. Your kids are smart and they 
know what's out there," added Samson.
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MAP posted-by: Elaine