In an effort to bring awareness to the issue, Crime Stoppers Canada, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and police services across Canada have launched 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.
Did you know?
- Many Canadian law enforcement agencies have identified an increase in the use, trafficking, importation and production of methamphetamine.
- Methamphetamine has emerged as one of the most significant commodities within organized crime; entrenched from production, to importation and distribution.
- The production of one kilogram of methamphetamine produces about six kilograms of toxic waste. This waste is usually disposed of through illegal dumping resulting in environmental contamination and health hazards for the public.
For more than a decade, the Perth County OPP has been investigating methamphetamine in our community, and it is now currently one of the most prevalent substances in the Canadian illicit drug market.
It brings an increase in substance use disorders, violence, property crimes, and jeopardizes overall safety. The link between property crime and substance abuse is strong – police often seize drugs during property crime investigations, and recover stolen property during drug investigations.
Break and enters, stolen vehicles, and thefts are often committed by people desperate for money in order to buy more methamphetamine or other illegal substances. Stolen vehicles can be used to commit other crimes, including break and enters or driving offences, such as impaired driving (by drugs and/or alcohol). Stolen vehicles also pose a risk to the public when drivers flee from police, driving in a dangerous manner in order to evade arrest.
Perth OPP need your help. If you see the signs, make the call. Police are appealing to the public to assist with these investigations. Citizens who have information are being asked to stand up, and speak out.
Reporting is easy, and it could make the difference.