Community Members Can Help To Battle The Crystal Meth Crisis
Despite the COVID - 19 pandemic dominating the headlines internationally, nationally and locally there is another story being lost in the pandemic rush.
That story is the growing proliferation of Crystal Methamphetamine (Crystal Meth or Meth) and its impact on the city of Moose Jaw.
In their most recent monthly press release Moose Jaw’s Crystal Meth Strategy Committee (CMSC) asks for the public’s assistance in helping the Moose Jaw Police Service (MJPS) to take Crystal Meth off of the streets of Moose Jaw. The Committee asks this as Crystal Meth use and proliferation continues its years long rapid growth within the community. We request people who decide to assist the MJPS as a public duty do so with caution for their personal safety.
Charges for possession of Crystal Meth for personal use have grown over 2000 percent in the past five years. Between 2003 and 2015 there were four charges laid but between 2016 and February 2021 there were 86 charges laid.
Charges Laid For Possession Of Crystal Meth 2003 - February 2021
Charges for Possession For The Purpose Of Trafficking Meth have grown from no charges laid from 2003 to 2015 to 26 charges laid from 2016 to February 2021. This charge is laid when a person has a larger quantity of Crystal Meth or there is an indication they are selling the narcotic.
As a public service and to keep our readers informed MJ Independent has published their monthly release in its entirety below.
Submitted by Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee
The Moose Jaw Police Services (MJPS) have noted the increase in their contacts with individuals who are affected by crystal meth misuse. Charges for Possession of crystal meth for personal use has increased 2000% over the past five years. From 2003 to 2015 there were 4 charges laid and from 2016 to February 2021 there were 86 charges.
In addition, charges for Possession for the Purposes of Trafficking Meth have greatly increased in the past five years. From 2003 to 2015 there were no such charges laid in our community but from 2016 to February 2021 there have been 26 charges. This charge is laid to individuals who have large quantities of meth that they are intending to sell (not smaller quantities that they are using for personal use).
While our local police services are responsible for keeping our community safe, there’s many things that community members can do to join forces to work together for protection of the public from crystal meth impacts. According to Detective Constable Blair Torgunrud, the police services invites and relies on information from the public.
Information about crystal meth comes to the attention of the police from the public, as well as patrol unit interactions, confidential information about users or dealers provided to the police, self admission, and Crime stoppers. Although anonymous information provided to Crime stoppers can be helpful, the police are unable to act if the information is too broad. The crime stoppers liaison is able to communicate anonymously through an app called P3 Tips, if the tipster is willing to clarify their information.
In order to proceed with an investigation, MJPS finds it helpful to have corroborating sources. Much like putting puzzle pieces together, the more information from different sources can help create a solid case. The police investigate and if there’s truth to the allegations, they will implement the law, make an arrest or make efforts to stop crystal meth from being distributed or used. There’s several different parameters to fulfill before a criminal charge can be laid and MJPS must follow the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. MJPS does not have a dedicated drug unit.
Community members can be helpful by assisting the police services. Being informed and keeping an ear and eye out for suspicious activities is the first step. According to Cst Torgunrud, crystal meth can be made by anybody ranging from clandestine labs, in homes and from trunks of cars. If people don’t have the means to make it, they can easily find it at certain apartments, back alleys, hotel rooms, parks or connecting in these circles for someone who is selling it. Despite the myth that illegal drugs are sold on street corners, handoffs are often happening in someone’s apartment or vehicle.
Some items that might be of interest to the police include:
Unusual odors in the air, such as ether, ammonia or chemical smells
Evidence of chemical waste
Frequent visitors at unusual times
Curtains routinely drawn
Windows covered with aluminum foil
Excessive amounts of trash, including coffee filters or empty soda bottles coated with residue
“If you see something, say something”. Community members can call and talk with a MJPS communications officer at 306 694 7600. The communications officer might be asking questions for clarification and if it looks like the situation should be explored by an officer, the caller may ask to leave their name and number. If it’s about crystal meth (illegal sales, buying and selling) it will get passed on to criminal investigations department. If there’s items related to mental health and addictions issues it might be directed to the Police and Crisis (PACT) team first.
Investigations involve gathering information from confidential sources and different police surveillance techniques to observe the subject. Police may search vehicles if there is behavior indicating that a crime might be occurring, or they might apply for a search warrant. If criminal offence is proven to have occurred an arrest is made, followed by a charge. Upon arrest, police are allowed to search or seize items that make up the elements of the criminal offense.
Once individuals are arrested or charged, that information is forwarded to the legal system and there is a pending court process. Drug Court, which involves weekly screening, substance detoxication/treatment and aftercare programming, might be recommended by the crown.
Community members have a part to play in keeping our community safe from drug activity. Here’s some recommendations:
Get to know your neighbours, be outdoors and be present in your neighbourhood. Keep an eye on your own neighbourhood activities and communicate suspicious activities to each other.
When you are out-of-town tell a trusted neighbour so they can watch over your home.
Keeping the neighbourhood well lit and clean from litter and disrepair can create a safer environment. Communities that appear well maintained are a great crime deterrent.
Don’t leave valuables in plain site.
Report suspicious activity to the police such as cars congregating in a park at night or people coming in and out of a house.
Refuse to turn a blind eye to crime in Moose Jaw—it’s all about networking and communicating! This will make a greater impact on crime prevention than police enforcement alone.
Who are we?
The Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee is a network of several human service organizations and community members that are interested in promoting awareness on the dangers and preventing the use of crystal meth. 2021 is the year to ‘SPREAD THE WORD ON METH’ and the committee is asking for assistance from community members.
Please follow us on Instagram @mjcrystalmethstrategy and join the Facebook page and group (Moose Jaw Crystal Meth Strategy Committee). Community members can help by sharing the daily posts so we can SPREAD THE WORD ON METH!!
Keep tuned in for the launch of Stop Mething Around, a video featuring front line workers and two individuals sharing their stories on their crystal meth addictions. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH71LlAhVbU