Ecstasy smuggling across the B.C. border has exploded, according to a cross-border team of law enforcers. "Blaine is a hotspot for ecstasy smuggling," said Roy Hoffman, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assistant special agent in charge. "We're seeing a huge amount of ecstasy heading for points in the U.S." He was among the officers who briefed the Cascadia Mayors Council meeting June 30 in Surrey on the work of the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), which pools policing efforts from both sides of the border to bust smugglers. [continues 312 words]
Tackling the Greater Vancouver drug problem requires a regional approach, a GVRD-led forum on drugs and crime heard last month. Tom Hetherington, addiction services manager for the Pacific Community Resources Society, was among the presenters who says local plans are often uncoordinated. "Problematic substance use crosses municipal boundaries - all people are impacted by it," he said in an interview. "If one was to put a lot of pressure on the Downtown Eastside, those people will move somewhere - they may move to New Westminster or Burnaby or Surrey." [continues 348 words]
The search for the meaning of life will be the topic when international researchers gather for a conference in Burnaby next week. More than 100 professionals will meet at the Hilton Metrotown hotel July 20 to 23 for the fourth biennial International Meaning Conference. Finding meaning in life is the key to fixing problems such as addiction, say organizers from the Fraser Health Authority and a collection of partners. "When we help those suffering from drug and alcohol addiction to find purpose and meaning in life, abstinence is often the by-product," said Geoff Thompson, a clinical addictions counsellor at the Maple Ridge Treatment Centre. [continues 121 words]
U.S. officials are irritated at the pace of Canada's response to extradition requests. And they're citing as a prime example the case of Vancouver marijuana seed king Marc Emery, who faces charges in the U.S. of marijuana distribution and money laundering. "This aEPrince of Pot' aE"A Emery aE"A still hasn't had his first extradition hearing," said Jeff Sullivan, criminal prosecution chief for the U.S. Attorney office in Washington State. "It's those kinds of things that are frustrating to us." [continues 180 words]
Ecstasy smuggling across the B.C. border has exploded, according to a cross-border team of law enforcers. "Blaine is a hotspot for ecstasy smuggling," said Roy Hoffman, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assistant special agent in charge. "We're seeing a huge amount of ecstasy heading for points in the U.S." He was among the officers who briefed the Cascadia Mayors Council meeting June 30 in Surrey on the work of the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), which pools policing efforts from both sides of the border to bust smugglers. [continues 309 words]
Ecstasy smuggling across the B.C. border has exploded, according to a cross-border team of law enforcers. "Blaine is a hotspot for ecstasy smuggling," said Roy Hoffman, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement assistant special agent in charge. "We're seeing a huge amount of ecstasy heading for points in the U.S." Hoffman was among officers to brief the Cascadia Mayors Council meeting June 30 in Surrey on work of the Integrated Border Enforcement Team (IBET), which pools policing efforts from both sides of the border to bust smugglers. [continues 307 words]
Tackling Greater Vancouver's drug problem requires a regional approach, a GVRD-led forum on drugs and crime heard Monday. Tom Hetherington, addiction services manager for the Pacific Community Resources Society, was among presenters who warned that local plans are often uncoordinated. "Problematic substance use crosses municipal boundaries - all people are impacted by it," he said later. "If one was to put a lot of pressure on the Downtown Eastside, those people will move somewhere. They may move to New Westminster or Burnaby or Surrey." [continues 332 words]
Tackling the Greater Vancouver drug problem requires a regional approach, a GVRD-led forum on drugs and crime heard Monday. Tom Hetherington, addiction services manager for the Pacific Community Resources Society, was among the presenters who says local plans are often uncoordinated. "Problematic substance use crosses municipal boundaries - all people are impacted by it," he said in an interview. "If one was to put a lot of pressure on the Downtown Eastside, those people will move somewhere - they may move to New Westminster or Burnaby or Surrey." [continues 348 words]
Tackling the Greater Vancouver drug problem requires a regional approach, a GVRD-led forum on drugs and crime heard Monday. Tom Hetherington, addiction services manager for the Pacific Community Resources Society, was among the presenters who says local plans are often uncoordinated. "Problematic substance use crosses municipal boundaries -all people are impacted by it," he said in an interview. "If one was to put a lot of pressure on the Downtown Eastside, those people will move somewhere -they may move to New Westminster or Burnaby or Surrey." [continues 348 words]
Fear Of Harm Prevention Lingers, Forum Told Tackling the Greater Vancouver drug problem requires a regional approach, a GVRD-led forum on drugs and crime heard Monday. Tom Hetherington, addiction services manager for the Pacific Community Resources Society, was among the presenters who says local plans are often uncoordinated. "Problematic substance use crosses municipal boundaries -all people are impacted by it," he said in an interview. "If one was to put a lot of pressure on the Downtown Eastside, those people will move somewhere -they may move to New Westminster or Burnaby or Surrey." [continues 347 words]
Addictions Programs Gets An Extra $8m An extra $8-million injection of provincial money to combat crystal meth and other addictions includes nearly $2 million a year more for Fraser Health Authority. Three-quarters of the new funding announced last week will go to youth addictions treatment, while the balance is dedicated to crystal meth treatment. "The number of youth addictions treatment beds will increase by approximately 75 per cent and allows us to build capacity to ensure youth across the province get the assistance they need," health minister George Abbott said. [continues 375 words]
An extra $8 million injection of provincial money to combat crystal meth and other addictions includes nearly $2 million a year more for the Fraser Health Authority. Three-quarters of the new funding announced Thursday will go to youth addictions treatment, while the balance is dedicated to crystal meth treatment. "The number of youth addictions treatment beds will increase by approximately 75 per cent and allows us to build capacity to ensure youth across the province get the assistance they need," health minister George Abbott said. [continues 421 words]
An extra $8-million injection of provincial money to combat crystal meth and other addictions includes nearly $2 million a year more for the Fraser Health Authority. Three-quarters of the new funding announced Thursday will go to youth addictions treatment, while the balance is dedicated to crystal meth treatment. "The number of youth addictions treatment beds will increase by approximately 75 per cent and allows us to build capacity to ensure youth across the province get the assistance they need," health minister George Abbott said. [continues 363 words]
SkyTrain's armed Transit Police arrested 21 suspects for drug offences and another 37 wanted in other jurisdictions in their first month since taking on new roles, uniforms and firearms. Special constables had been patrolling the system since 2004 but they had not been able to execute arrest warrants or go after drug dealers. That's changed -- as demonstrated in the December statistics released this week. "We had a number of drug incidents and a number of warrant arrests -- those are now part of our toolbox," said Transit Police Inspector Dan Dureau. [continues 300 words]
SkyTrain's armed Transit Police arrested 21 suspects for drug offences and another 37 wanted in other jurisdictions in their first month since taking on new roles, uniforms and firearms. Special constables had been patrolling the system since 2004 but they had not been able to execute arrest warrants or go after drug dealers. That's changed -- as demonstrated in the December statistics released this week. "We had a number of drug incidents and a number of warrant arrests -- those are now part of our toolbox," said Transit Police Inspector Dan Dureau. [continues 195 words]
SkyTrain's armed Transit Police arrested 21 suspects for drug offences and another 37 wanted in other jurisdictions in their first month since taking on new roles, uniforms and firearms. Special constables had been patrolling the system since 2004 but they had not been able to execute arrest warrants or go after drug dealers. That's changed - as demonstrated in the December statistics released this week. "We had a number of drug incidents and a number of warrant arrests - those are now part of our toolbox," said Transit Police Inspector Dan Dureau. [continues 300 words]
One of two bus drivers fired for smoking marijuana on their way to work last spring is back on the job after an arbitrator's ruling that he may not have intended to get stoned. Gurmukh Gill was a passenger in a car driven by another Coast Mountain Bus Co. driver who RCMP said appeared to pass Gill a joint before they were pulled over on May 15, 2005 while westbound for the Port Mann Bridge. Asked by the officer what he was smoking, driver Manny Sunga said "just a bit of pot" before surrendering a film canister half full of marijuana. [continues 306 words]
May Not Have Intended To Smoke Pot: Arbitrator One of two bus drivers fired after being suspected of smoking marijuana on their way to work is back on the job following an arbitrator's ruling that he may not have intended to get stoned. Gurmukh Gill was a passenger in a car driven by another Coast Mountain Bus Co. driver who RCMP said appeared to pass Gill a joint before they were pulled over on May 15 while westbound for the Port Mann Bridge. [continues 253 words]
NDP leader Jack Layton says his party will press the Liberals to maintain the federal moratorium on offshore oil exploration in B.C. waters. In a campaign stop in the province last Saturday, Layton accused Prime Minister Paul Martin of remaining silent on the issue, while forcing drilling critic David Anderson out of cabinet. "He was the one person who would speak out on it," Layton said in an interview. "He got dumped from the environment portfolio - that sent a pretty strong message." [continues 467 words]
NDP leader Jack Layton says his party will press the Liberals to maintain the federal moratorium on offshore oil exploration in B.C. waters. In a campaign stop in the province last Saturday, Layton accused Prime Minister Paul Martin of remaining silent on the issue, while forcing drilling critic David Anderson out of cabinet. "He was the one person who would speak out on it," Layton said in an interview. "He got dumped from the environment portfolio - that sent a pretty strong message." [continues 268 words]
Guide Gives Comprehensive Look at Deadly Drug A new tool has been deployed in the battle against crystal methamphetamine use. The Fraser Health Authority (FHA) has released a comprehensive 156-page manual titled "A Community Guide: Strategies and Interventions for Dealing with Crystal Methamphetamine (Meth) and Other Emerging Drug Trends." It can be downloaded from the FHA web site at www.fraserhealth.ca/HealthInfo/MentalHealth/AddictionServices "Communities, individuals and organizations are united in a common battle to halt its spread," said FHA addictions leader Dr. Akbar Bayanzadeh. [continues 145 words]
The Fraser Health Authority (FHA) has released a comprehensive 156-page manual titled "A Community Guide: Strategies and Interventions for Dealing with Crystal Methamphetamine (Meth) and Other Emerging Drug Trends. It can be downloaded from the FHA web site at www.fraserhealth.ca/HealthInfo/MentalHealth/AddictionServices "Communities, individuals and organizations are united in a common battle to halt its spread," said FHA addictions leader Dr. Akbar Bayanzadeh. "And we know that solid information and workable strategies will be critical success factors. [continues 133 words]
A new tool has been deployed in the battle against crystal methamphetamine use. Fraser Health Authority has released a 156-page manual titled A Community Guide: Strategies and Interventions for Dealing with Crystal Methamphetamine and Other Emerging Drug Trends. It can be downloaded from FHA's website ( www.fraserhealth.ca/HealthInfo/MentalHealth/AddictionServices ). The guide provides information about programs and strategies to counter meth use. Sections range from effects and dangers of meth to withdrawal symptoms and treatment. Among adults, crystal meth was the fourth drug of choice behind alcohol, marijuana and cocaine, the guide says. Among youth, meth is third behind marijuana and alcohol. [end]
A new tool has been deployed in the battle against crystal methamphetamine use. The Fraser Health Authority (FHA) has released a comprehensive 156-page manual titled "A Community Guide: Strategies and Interventions for Dealing with Crystal Methamphetamine (Meth) and Other Emerging Drug Trends." It can be downloaded from the FHA web site at http://www.fraserhealth.ca/HealthInfo/MentalHealth/AddictionServices. "Communities, individuals and organizations are united in a common battle to halt its spread," said FHA addictions leader Dr. Akbar Bayanzadeh. [continues 146 words]
A new tool has been deployed in the battle against crystal methamphetamine use. The Fraser Health Authority (FHA) has released a comprehensive 156-page manual titled "A Community Guide: Strategies and Interventions for Dealing with Crystal Methamphetamine (Meth) and Other Emerging Drug Trends." It can be downloaded from the FHA web site at www.fraserhealth.ca/HealthInfo/MentalHealth/AddictionServices. "Communities, individuals and organizations are united in a common battle to halt its spread," said FHA addictions leader Dr. Akbar Bayanzadeh. "And we know that solid information and workable strategies will be critical success factors." [continues 123 words]
Province Eyes Restrictions To Fight Meth The battle against crystal meth is now targeting cold medications used to make the deadly street drug. Large sales of cold medications used to make methamphetamine will be more tightly monitored by the province in the first plank of a new program. Solicitor General John Les admitted most meth labs use bulk commercial imports to get the chemical precursors they need-they don't usually buy them at pharmacies or grocery stores. "While it's rare for them to use over-the-counter drugs, we want to be as thorough as possible," he said. [continues 136 words]
The battle against crystal meth is now targeting cold medications used to make the deadly street drug. Large sales of cold medications used to make meth will be more tightly monitored by the province in the first plank of a new program. Solicitor General John Les admitted most meth labs use bulk commercial imports to get the chemical precursors they need -they don't usually buy them at pharmacies or grocery stores. "While it's rare for them to use over-the-counter drugs, we want to be as thorough as possible," he said. [continues 137 words]
Criminals And Their Counsel Won't Be Able To Tap Assets Mayors and councillors pressed provincial cabinet ministers last week to explain why B.C. has been so slow to hit criminals in their wallets by seizing illegally acquired property. "We're not tough enough on major criminals," Courtenay Coun. Larry Jangula told a public safety panel discussion during the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. He pointed to crystal meth lab operators in particular. "These people have the ability to seriously damage people forever," he said. "We never hear of maximum sentences. It's common knowledge all across North America that B.C. is the softest on all drug offences that there is." [continues 392 words]
Mayors and councillors pressed provincial cabinet ministers last week to explain why B.C. has been so slow to hit criminals in their wallets by seizing illegally acquired property. "We're not tough enough on major criminals," Courtenay councillor Larry Jangula told a public safety panel discussion during the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. He pointed to crystal meth lab operators in particular. "These people have the ability to seriously damage people forever," Jangula said. "We never hear of maximum sentences. It's common knowledge all across North America that B.C. is the softest on all drug offences that there is." [continues 349 words]
Mayors and councillors pressed provincial cabinet ministers last week to explain why B.C. has been so slow to hit criminals in their wallets by seizing illegally acquired property. "We're not tough enough on major criminals," Courtenay councillor Larry Jangula told a public safety panel discussion during the recent Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. He pointed to crystal meth lab operators in particular. "These people have the ability to seriously damage people forever," Jangula said. "We never hear of maximum sentences. It's common knowledge all across North America that B.C. is the softest on all drug offences that there is." [continues 348 words]
Mayors and councillors pressed provincial cabinet ministers Wednesday to explain why B.C. has been so slow to hit criminals in their wallets by seizing illegally acquired property. "We're not tough enough on major criminals," Courtenay councillor Larry Jangula told a public safety panel discussion during the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. He pointed to crystal meth lab operators in particular. "These people have the ability to seriously damage people forever," he said. "We never hear of maximum sentences. It's common knowledge all across North America that B.C. is the softest on all drug offences that there is." [continues 356 words]
VANCOUVER - Mayors and councillors pressed provincial cabinet ministers Wednesday to explain why B.C. has been so slow to hit criminals in their wallets by seizing illegally acquired property. "We're not tough enough on major criminals," Courtenay councillor Larry Jangula told a public safety panel discussion during the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. He pointed to crystal meth lab operators in particular. "These people have the ability to seriously damage people forever," Jangula said. "We never hear of maximum sentences. It's common knowledge all across North america that B.C. is the softest on all drug offences that there is." [continues 348 words]
Mayors and councillors pressed provincial cabinet ministers Wednesday to explain why B.C. has been so slow to hit criminals in their wallets by seizing illegally acquired property. "We're not tough enough on major criminals," Courtenay councillor Larry Jangula told a public safety panel discussion during the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. He pointed to crystal meth lab operators in particular. "These people have the ability to seriously damage people for-ever," he said. "We never hear of maximum sentences. It's common knowledge all across North America that B.C. is the softest on all drug offences that there is." [continues 394 words]
Criminals And Lawyers Won't Be Able To Tap Seized Assets Mayors and councillors pressed provincial cabinet ministers Wednesday to explain why B.C. has been so slow to hit criminals in their wallets by seizing illegally acquired property. "We're not tough enough on major criminals," Courtenay Coun. Larry Jangula told a public safety panel discussion during the Union of B.C. Municipalities convention. He pointed to crystal meth lab operators in particular. "These people have the ability to seriously damage people forever," he said. "We never hear of maximum sentences. It's common knowledge all across North America that B.C. is the softest on all drug offences that there is." [continues 339 words]
Producers and traffickers of crystal meth will face stiffer penalties as high as life in prison, the federal government announced Thursday. Methamphetamine will join drugs like cocaine and heroin covered under Ottawa's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. That moves the maximum penalty for production, trafficking, possession and importing or exporting of meth from a present 10 years to life in prison. The change is expected to put an end to the much lighter penalties typically handed out to producers, traffickers and importers and others involved in the illegal drug's supply network. [continues 200 words]
Producers and traffickers of crystal meth will face stiffer penalties as high as life in prison, the federal government announced Thursday. Methamphetamine will join drugs like cocaine and heroin covered under Ottawa's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. That moves the maximum penalty for production, trafficking, possession and importing or exporting of meth from a present 10 years to life in prison. The change is expected to put an end to the much lighter penalties typically handed out to producers, traffickers and importers and others involved in the illegal drug's supply network. [continues 208 words]
Producers and traffickers of crystal meth will face stiffer penalties - as high as life in prison - the federal government announced Thursday. Methamphetamine will join drugs such as cocaine and heroin, covered under Ottawa's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. That moves the maximum penalty for production, trafficking, possession and importing or exporting of meth from the current 10 years to life in prison. The change is expected to put an end to the much lighter penalties typically handed out to producers, traffickers and importers, and others involved in the illegal drug's supply network. [continues 208 words]
Producers and traffickers of crystal meth will face stiffer penalties as high as life in prison, the federal government announced Thursday. Methamphetamine, sometimes known as "the poor man's cocaine" because it is cheap to make, will join drugs like cocaine and heroin covered under Ottawa's Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. That moves the maximum penalty for production, trafficking, possession and importing or exporting of meth from a present 10 years to life in prison. Crystal meth is easily produced in small clandestine labs, often in kitchens and bathrooms, but are notoriously dangerous, often causing hazardous chemical fires. Meth addicts are also among the most difficult to treat. [end]
THE FEAR that big city drug problems have arrived in Terrace was palpable among those who came to a hastily organized town hall meeting last week. The March 9 forum was held a week after the discovery of a methamphetamine lab here. More than 300 people came to hear RCMP drug specialist Chuck Doucette speak about the dangers of crystal meth and what can be done to stop its spread. "It was an eye opener," local parent and volleyball coach Mark Neid said after the meeting. "They're more targetting kids. It's so readily available and cheap to make." [continues 744 words]
TERRACE's perennial weed candidate says he won't roll again when the federal election is called. Bob Erb of the Marijuana Party says his name will not be on the ballot in what is widely expected to be a spring election. Instead, he plans to renew his old NDP membership and work to light up that party's fortunes. The Terrace construction worker is following in the footsteps of other marijuana activists aiming to take the NDP higher. B.C. Marijuana Party leader Dana Larsen has said he will seek the NDP nomination in West Vancouver. [continues 208 words]
MAYORAL candidate Bob Erb latched onto an innovative way to get his vote out - offer voters free marijuana and a ride to the polls. That's exactly what he did Nov. 13, the day of the advance poll in Terrace. Erb didn't take the mayor's chair from Jack Talstra, and clerks said the turnout was no heavier than in previous years. Two 18-year-old Caledonia students were among those who voted and then headed straight to the carpenters hall - where Erb held an open house offering free marijuana, pop, sandwiches and snacks. [continues 303 words]
MAYOR JACK Talstra met with Terrace's top cop because he feared any drug investigation of Marijuana Party challenger Bob Erb during the election might appear politically motivated. Talstra -- whose law firm handles federal drug prosecutions here -- said he urged RCMP Inspector Marlin Degrand to use caution because he didn't want to be accused of directing police forces against his mayoral opponent. "I asked them to lay off Bob," Talstra said Nov. 14, two days before voting day. "I don't need that." [continues 221 words]
RECENT PROVINCIAL election Marijuana Party candidate Bob Erb says he will run for a Terrace city council seat in the byelection set for Sept. 8. Erb joins two declared candidates - longtime community volunteer Betty Campbell and Marylin Davies, a former music teacher here and original co-founder of the Pacific Northwest Music Festival. Local audiologist Joely Viveiros is also thinking of running. "I'm going to do it," Erb said, adding current city councillor Rich McDaniel encouraged him to enter the race. [continues 330 words]
He couldn't be smoked out at the big May 1 all candidates forum at the R.E.M. Lee Theatre. But Marijuana Party candidate Bob Erb did appear two days later before a smaller crowd of about 40 students and faculty at Northwest Community College. The 48-year-old construction worker who professes he's not a polished politician held his own. His best shot came after Liberal candidate Roger Harris said income tax cuts are necessary to re-energize the economy and NDPer Helmut Giesbrecht said it couldn't be done without eventual cuts to services like health care and education. [continues 114 words]
