Meth use continues to cause regular incidents for the Winkler Police Service.

Between June 24 and July 7 police report a number of files regarding the illegal drug.

"Some of the recent calls that our officers have attended were initially very serious in nature for the safety of the persons involved, but thankfully turned out well," Police Chief Ryan Hunt says. "Parents should continue to discuss the dangers of these activities with their children. Illegal drug use is a problem right across the nation and our community is no exception."

On June 24, police were dispatched to a residence regarding a male who was damaging property inside the home. Police found the male to be exhibiting signs of methamphetamine use, arrested him under the Mental Health Act and he was transported to the hospital for assessment. After the male was medically cleared he was lodged at the Winkler Police Service under the Intoxicated Persons Detention Act until sober.

On June 27, as the result of a traffic stop, three individuals were arrested for Possession of Methamphetamine. A female youth and 28-year-old male were each released on a Promise to Appear with conditions. A 29-year-old male, who was also charged with Driving an unregistered vehicle and Driving while disqualified, was remanded into custody to appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court on June 28th, 2019.

Shortly before 2:00 a.m the next day, police conducted a traffic stop as part of a methamphetamine trafficking investigation. As a result, a 32-year-old female was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking and released on a Promise to Appear with conditions. A 39-year-old female was charged with Possession of Methamphetamine for the Purpose of Trafficking, Possession of Cocaine, Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime and Breaching a Recognizance, and was remanded into custody to appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court on June 29th, 2019. A 41-year-old male was charged with Possession of Proceeds of Property Obtained by Crime and remanded into custody to appear in Winnipeg Provincial Court on June 29th, 2019. Three other adults were also arrested in relation to this investigation and released without charges.

The same day, police received a report of a male who appeared to be overdosing on methamphetamine. The male admitted to police that he used methamphetamine that evening and was transported to the hospital for assessment.

"There is no easy answer to solving the drug problem but certainly education plays a part, which can and should start at home," Hunt says. "Obviously, there are many factors in play when a person decides to use illegal drugs or abuse alcohol but just the same, there is no harm in discussing the dangers of doing so with kids, especially teens."

He notes there are resources available under the “Community” tab of the Winkler Police Service website.