Drugs are a reality in many communities including Ponoka and the RCMP have teamed up to help bring awareness to the community in hopes that the town will work with them on helping wipe out the drugs.
A drug awareness presentation was hosted at the Kinsmen Community Centre on April 14. Sgt. Lorne Adamitz of the RCMP “K” Division educated those in attendance on what a drug is, how to know if people are using them or making them and more.
The presentation looked into why people do drugs, showed videos enhancing the reality of them, and touched on gangs and the signs of a gang member.
This was the third year that Ponoka has hosted this presentation and Sgt. Glen Demaere believes that it is important to the community.
“We all came because we have a common goal,” said Demaere. “We would all like to see drugs out of Ponoka. We know the drugs are out there and the best way we can fight them is to educate the community. The community can help the police help the community.”
Demaere went on to say that a recent bust took place and RCMP confiscated 11 ½ of marijuana out of a vehicle.
Adamitz spoke about the effects of drugs on a body including the withdrawal effects. He even talked about the use of coffee and energy drinks and how they can upset the chemical balance of an individual.
“To know what the withdrawal will be, take whatever the drug does and think of the exact opposite,” said Adamitz.
Adamitz spoke on different street names for drugs and information and signs on knowing if your child or friends are using drugs.
The presentation is another tool to help keep the community working together on maintaining the community and keeping the drugs off of the streets and away from our young people.