Crystal meth is coming to a location near you and Edmonton K Division Staff Sgt. Ian Sanderson wants Ponoka residents to be prepared. "It's around. We have seizures on Highway 2. Don't think you're an island unto yourself. That would be a very bad mistake." "When it shows up the crime rate goes through the roof, violent crime, auto theft and identity theft," he added. "(Abusers) are very psychotic. They don't like police or authority figures. You will see a lot of violence. They are very aggressive." [continues 721 words]
More than 100 people packed into the Kinsmen Community Centre Monday night to listen to Staff Sgt. Ian Sanderson from Edmonton K Division give a talk on drug abuse and in particular, crystal meth expected to hit the community soon. By the response, it is clear many Ponoka residents don't have their heads buried in the sand and are willing and ready to deal with a potential problem by taking preventative measures. If parents discover their children are abusing drugs there are a number of things they can do. Most experts advise it is important not to overreact. [continues 625 words]
Drug sellers are on Ponoka streets peddling crystal meth but RCMP are cracking down and aiming to educate local parents. "Kids seem to be getting hooked on it and we want to make parents aware of what signs to look for," said Cst. Chris Konig. The drug is so addictive that over 90 per cent of its first time users are hooked says Konig. "Once you do it you're strapped. The majority of first time users are hooked and it leads to death it's that bad of a drug. [continues 248 words]
A Hobbema man was one of eight individuals to receive the Alberta Solicitor General Crime Prevention Award last month in Calgary for helping to build stronger and safer communities. Lawrence Saddleback, a newly elected Samson Band councilor, was recognized for his work with inmates and community members. He worked for seven years as cultural advisor for Samson Justice. Saddleback says the recognition "really boosts our community." But he adds that the community cannot address the problems alone plaguing the four Bands, such as gang violence and drugs. [continues 67 words]
Meeting South Okanagan teenagers on their turf-the streets-it becomes clear that if there were an exam for illicit drug terminology, costs and effects, they would get an A+. The teens know what's available, for how much and the type of high it gives. The drug of choice is 'BC Bud' marijuana for $30 - $35 a gram and $150 - $220 an ounce. You can choose Hawaiian, white rhino, skunk, blueberry, California orange or banana. If you prefer ecstasy, for $25 a pill, there are green, red or ones with cartoon pictures. Then there's GHB, a mellow ecstasy for $50 a baby jar. Crack cocaine is widely available and sells for $8 - $10 a rail and if you want to freebase it, just add baking soda. Hash is hard to find but the oil is easy to get. Mushrooms cost $10 a gram and acid is a bargain at only $5 a hit. Methamphetamine, which the teens say is a stronger form of speed, costs $15-$18 a point. [continues 1489 words]
