This month, Olds RCMP are promoting the Olds and Area Drug Initiative (OADI).
It's designed to expand efforts by Olds RCMP to prevent people from using illegal drugs, enforce laws in that area as well as educate people about illegal drugs and the dangers they pose.
That's a big challenge.
Olds RCMP serve nearly 15,000 people in a territory covering more than 800 square kilometres.
The program includes an anonymous tip line: 403-586-TIPS (8477). Residents can call that line to report a home they suspect might be a "drug house," where suspicious activity involving illegal drugs may be occurring.
"Rural/farming communities do not have the agencies or resources that are found in larger towns or city centres, but the demand is just as great," an RCMP news release says.
"This initiative's objective is to support a much-needed development of drug awareness to school-age youth, parents, educators, professionals, and other community members.
"More specifically, it will aim to increase relevant knowledge, life skills and insights to avoid substance abuse problems and consequential drug crime."
In Central Alberta, "new illegal and illicit drugs such as Fentanyl, Bath Salts, Spice, Ecstasy, Rohypnol (date rape drug) to only name a few, are appearing at an alarming rate," the news release says.
"With all this new drug traffic comes an escalation in drug related crimes and tragedies. Break & Enters, Auto thefts, deaths by suicide, overdose, or impaired driving.
"The goal (of the OADI) is to give community stakeholders the tools they need to meaningfully reduce substance use/abuse and be more drug aware."
The release says "enforcement of drug crime is most successful when schools, families, and organizations throughout the community are all involved. The Report a Drug House initiative allows for this to happen."
The Albertan ran a story when the program was showcased during the Crime Prevention Trade Show at the legion this past spring. It can be viewed at https://www.oldsalbertan.ca/article/RCMP-unveil-new-local-antidrug-initiative-20170530.
"Enforcement of drug crime is most successful when schools, families, and organizations throughout the community are all involved."RCMP
