Meth seizures rise 300% in Calgary as police chief calls for more addiction support

Methamphetaminewas relatively unknown on Calgary streets just five years ago, but police now say officers encounter the street drug virtually every day.

Methseizures were up nearly 300 per cent in the second quarter of this year, compared to the same period in 2015, the Calgary Police Commission heard Tuesday.

• 14.5 kg of suspected methamphetamine seized at Alberta border
• Meth-laced greeting cards make it into Medicine Hat remand centre

Staff Sgt. MartinSchiavettasaid most seizures are for small quantities, and meth is closely linked to the growing abuse ofanother drug fentanyl.

"We know that the availability ofmethhas increased as well as the price points have dropped significantly, to almost half what they were five to 10 years ago," he said.

Police Chief Roger Chaffin said dealing with the growing demand for meth is a major problem and, for those wanting help to beat their addiction, it currently takes three months to get into treatment.

"When you get control of an addict and they're asking for help and they need help, the ability to get them that help immediately or as quickly as possible is important," Chaffin said.

"Telling them, an addict, 'come back in 90 days when we have an opening,' then likely you're not going to see that person again."

Chaffin said the abuse of drugs likemethandfentanylis escalating quickly in Alberta, a problem he feels requires greater government support to combat.

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