Pubdate: Mon, 23 Jul 2007
Source: Calgary Sun, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2007 The Calgary Sun
Contact:  http://www.calgarysun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/67
Author: Tarina White
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)

COKE CRACKS TOP SCOURGE LIST

Crack cocaine abuse is the province's biggest drug problem, a new 
report shows, and many Alberta towns are grappling with the fallout.

 From Lethbridge to the oilsands and elsewhere, crack and its link to 
organized crime are identified as a more serious problem than 
marijuana and methamphetamines, according to the recently-released 
Criminal Intelligence Service Alberta annual report.

"Crack cocaine was reported as the most prevalent drug in the 
majority of regions last year," the report states.

It goes on to note, crack cocaine trafficking and abuse are also on 
the rise in the area that stretches west of Edmonton to the B.C. 
border, north to the Northwest Territories, and east to Saskatchewan.

"The illicit drug trade in this region points to a preference for 
crack cocaine followed by marijuana, ecstacy and crystal 
methamphetamine," the report states.

The problems surrounding the drug trade and increased crime are 
linked to the booming economy, especially in the red-hot oilpatch.

Crack cocaine addiction and the crime that funds it are also growing 
problems for Lethbridge, according to the report.

"Crack addicts have admitted to involvement in the city's large 
number of armed robberies in order to grab some cash so that they can 
feed their addiction," it states.

In Red Deer, which is also experiencing an economic boom, RCMP Const. 
Kathe Deheer said crack is certainly a rising problem.

"Crack cocaine is the drug of choice," she said.

"We are finding that it is more common than in past years."

Brooks Mayor Don Weisbeck said he's not surprised cocaine is listed 
as the most widespread drug in Alberta for 2006.

"It's certainly the one that worries us the most -- it's the one that 
we're focusing on," he said.

Alberta's growing prosperity has led to a noticeable surge in the use 
of the drug in the city located 160 km southeast of Calgary, he said.

Calgary has been dealing with its own burgeoning crack problem in 
recent years, the downtown core and surrounding areas plagued by 
crack addicts and dealers, said ward Ald. Madeleine King, a presence 
that leads to increased crime in the area.

The Beltline has been especially hit by the scourge, ranking as the 
most crime plagued neighbourhood in the city, something King has 
directly attributed to the drug problems in the area.

"It had been growing steadily in importance," King said yesterday 
about the drug.

"It is a very significant problem."
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman