Use of cocaine and ecstasy among younger people, including those who attend Portage Collegiate Institute, is growing in Portage la Prairie. "There's a rising concern with the use of cocaine in the younger population," said Barry Rud, prevention education consultant for Addictions Foundation of Manitoba. Brenda Foster works with students at PCI four days a week. The AFM rehabilitation worker offers services in the form of education and prevention, accepts referrals for people using or affected by drug use and conducts assessments for addictions. [continues 493 words]
Legal officials might soon have some ammunition to convict drivers who are suspected of driving under the influence of illegal drugs. In House of Commons on Tuesday, Justice Minister Vic Toews tabled a bill on drugs, similar to the existing law regarding driving while under the influence of alcohol. Under the proposed legislation, impaired drivers can be prosecuted under Criminal Code of Canada, but the code is devoid of offences specifically related to drug impairment. The Conservative government wants to give police the hardware and authority to apprehend and test drivers suspected of driving while drug-impaired. [continues 488 words]
A national increase in the use and trafficking of the narcotic substance crystal meth, a chemical based stimulant, has been leaking its way into the crime sphere of all sectors of the country, and St. Paul is no exception. The topic was brought up at the last town council meeting by St. Paul Staff Sgt. Andre Routhier, who, in a separate interview, reaffirmed the problem and attributed its increased use to the convenience of the required ingredients. "There is a national trend towards the increased use of the drug crystal meth and it could be because the elements are found and purchased easily," Routhier said. [continues 433 words]
