The Coalition Against Drugs Presents: Drugs: Did you Know?

EMBRUN, ON, Oct. 21 /CNW/ - The Prescott and Russell Coalition Against Drugs is pleased to present the 2009 Drug Awareness Conference "Drugs: Did you know?" This highly anticipated event will be held on October 28 and 29 in Rockland, Ontario. Topics to be covered at this thought provoking conference include the dangers of clandestine drug laboratories, illegal drug trends, the impact of methamphetamine (meth) on the community, meth & the brain, drug endangered children and the formation of the Prescott and Russell Coalition Against Drugs.

    
    Location:    River Rock Inn - 2808 Chamberland Street, Rockland, Ontario

    Key Note Speakers:

    Dr. John Duncan, PhD - Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs
    Dr. Kiti Freier, PhD - Pediatric Psychologist & Specialist in
    Methamphetamine Exposure
    Dr. Paul Roumeliotis, CM, MD - Eastern Ontario Health Unit
    Dr Robert Flynn, Ottawa University - Program and approaches to protect
    our youth and community
    His Worship Dan Mathieson - City of Stratford
    Sgt. Brent Hill - RCMP Chemical Diversion Unit
    

Drug traffickers have shifted their tactics and unfortunately Canada is now a source country for the production of illicit drugs, such as methamphetamine and ecstasy. Our speakers will explain how these drugs are made with toxic chemicals in make-shift laboratories hidden in our neighborhoods. How they pose a serious threat to public safety. Drug traffickers do not respect the immediate dangers associated to toxic chemicals and this often leads to tragic consequences such as fire, explosion and severe environmental pollution. Most importantly, these risks have a profound effect on those who are the most vulnerable - drug endangered children.

The conference will provide information on different levels to Associations, Service providers in the field of family welfare, School boards and institutions, First Emergency Responders, just to name a few. Our key note speakers will also address the social impact, the addiction, the overwhelming statistics within Prescott and Russell, and we will also have the opportunity to hear about the City of Stratford's efforts and success in fighting illicit drug production in their community!

"We know meth and ecstasy is in our community. The bottom line - illicit drugs are not safe and we do not accept unscrupulous drug traffickers making or selling their deadly products in our community. Recognizing this threat, the Prescott and Russell Coalition Against Drugs was formed and upholds a strong commitment to its fundamental principles of education, prevention and awareness," said Mr. Ken Hill , Mayor of the Township of Russell and initiator of the coalition.

Editors/Producers Note: A complete meth lab (non-functioning) will be on display and the press will have access.

For further information: Sgt. Marc LaPorte, Media Relations, RCMP "O" Division, Office: [phone], Cell: [phone]