The York Region Methamphetamine Strategy

The experience of the police in the York Region, a jurisdiction of about 1 000 000 people in the Greater Toronto Area, puts the emerging societal impact of methamphetamine laboratories into perspective. In 2001, York Regional Police made 3 seizures of small amounts of methamphetamine that were intended for personal use. In 2007, the York Regional Police made 25 seizures of methamphetamine totalling 3445 g. This includes methamphetamine seized from drug dealers associated with criminal organizations. In contrast, in 2007 the York Regional Police executed search warrants at 83 indoor marijuana grow operations and seized 36 844 marijuana plants and 200 kg of marijuana. One large-scale ecstasy seizure, coupled with several laboratory and street-level seizures, led to the removal of 958 318 ecstasy pills from the streets. Preventing crime, assisting victims of crime and working with the community are core policing values and responsibilities. Production and distribution of methamphetamine and its use as a commodity by members of organized crime is of great concern. In addition, the physical and psychological dependency it creates will increase demand for methamphetamine, which will lead to many associated health issues. The most effective means of fighting this is by working collaboratively with the community and health service professionals to educate potential methamphetamine users and dependent individuals about its highly addictive properties, providing treatment to those who have become addicted and to suppress the supply of methamphetamine through active and intelligence-led strategic police enforcement.