Pubdate: Tue, 30 Oct 2007
Source: Calgary Herald (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 Calgary Herald
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/calgary/calgaryherald/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/66
Author: Dan Singleton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?208 (Environmental Issues)

RCMP METH LAB AWARENESS EFFORT EXTENDED

A new awareness campaign aimed at helping farmers, ranchers and 
others identify methamphetamine labs and related chemical dumpsites 
is being welcomed in rural communities.

"I think anytime we have more eyes out there to try to identify these 
dumpsites, that's important," said Al Kemmere, reeve of Mountain View 
County, north of Calgary.

Through the program, and in conjunction with Alberta Agriculture, the 
RCMP have conducted awareness training of provincial weed inspectors.

They, in turn, have been handing out thousands of information 
brochures to farmers, meter readers, oilfield inspectors and rural residents.

The brochures provide information on how to identify labs, highly 
toxic chemical dumpsites and other production byproduct waste.

The largest meth lab bust in the province took place on a Cremona 
farm, 60 kilometres northwest of Calgary, in 2005.

Several dumpsites from that lab were later found along Mountain View 
County roads.

"If you do see some of these things (dumpsites), get away from them 
and call the police," said RCMP Cpl. Rick Goldstein, who heads K 
Division's chemical diversion program.

Crystal methamphetamine is a highly addictive and powerful artificial 
stimulant with many harmful effects, including tremors and death.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom