National Methamphetamine Awareness Campaign

National Methamphetamine Awareness Campaign

January is Crime Stoppers Month in Canada and the theme for 2021 is “Helping All Communities Stay Safe”. In support of this theme, Crime Stoppers Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and police services across Canada are launching a national public awareness campaign to help educate the public about the negative impacts of methamphetamine and how it poses a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities. 

Methamphetamine use is in communities across Canada.  It has contributed to crimes of violence and property crimes. The numbers of methamphetamine seizures in Canada has continued to increase since 2010 and poses a threat to the safety and well-being of our communities. 

In 2020, Peterborough Police Service through the Intelligence, Crime Analyst, Asset Forfeiture and Drug (ICAD) Unit seized a total of 740 grams of crystal meth with a street value of $74,000 during several search warrants.  In 2019, 41.9 grams of crystal meth was seized.

The Peterborough Police Service is a pillar-partner in the Peterborough Drug Strategy (PDS).  PDS is a collective of community-based organizations in Peterborough City and County focussed on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and enforcement.

For more information and resources about methamphetamines:

http://peterboroughdrugstrategy.com/meth-resources/

For local resources for help with addictions: http://peterboroughdrugstrategy.com/resource/

“It’s important to note that the crimes associated with methamphetamine labs is only one part of the story.  Ensuring there is a pathway to help community deal with addictions and challenges is actually what will ensure continued success in addressing the systemic issues surrounding this topic.” – Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson, Peterborough Police Service.

Methamphetamine and synthetic drug labs can be found anywhere. Indicators of a lab may include:

• Suspicious activity, secretive behavior and individuals who may avoid neighbour interactions
• Occupants attend for short time periods and at odd hours
• Chemical odours
• Garbage contains numerous chemical containers, glassware, bags full of soil or garbage are never put out
• Location has excessive security
• Evidence of chemical dumping grounds on or near premises (burn pits or dead spots on lawn)
• Windows covered
• Odd items being brought inside the location – equipment, glassware, chemical drums, etc.

If you see indicators of a methamphetamine or synthetic drug lab, remain at a safe distance, do not approach suspects and call local police 9-1-1 if it is an emergency and 705-876-1122 if it is a non-emergency. If you wish to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or visit www.stopcrimehere.ca

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Sandra Dueck
Media/Communications Coordinator
sdueck@peterborough.ca
705-876-1122 x217