The City of Dryden is facing a Methamphetamine problem.
Chief of Police Doug Palson says the use of meth is one the rise and it’s having a devastating effect on people.
Palson says education and working with community partners, like the Northwestern Health Unit, is critical in the fight against the deadly drug.
He notes you always need enforcement, but mentions “you can’t arrest your way out of social issues”.
Palson believes more people are using it because it’s cheap and readily available.
Palson adds all officers are now trained to use Naloxone, a potentially life-saving drug.
He says fortunately none of his officers have had to use it.
In 2017, police seized more than $4,500 worth of meth, compared to only $600 in 2016.
Palson stresses Methamphetamine is part of a wide scale drug and alcohol issue in Dryden.
He says a high percentage of any of their calls for service involves substance abuse in some form or another.
Here is a 2017 breakdown of drugs seized by Dryden Police:
Cannabis Marijuana: $4,349
Prescription Pills: $1,170
Cocaine: $6,500
Methamphetamine: $4,530
Cash $2,375
