Used syringes found during spring cleanup a sign of increased drug abuse in Medicine Hat

The recent spring cleanup by volunteers along the highway revealed several used syringes near the Kin Coulee dip.

It was the first time crews have had to deal with this type of situation, said Uwe Krickhahn, president of the Rotary Club of Medicine Hat.

The increased use of drugs in the community is of paramount concern to, says Insp. Joe West of the Medicine Hat Police Service.

“Drug consumption is always a concern and we work very hard to mitigate that. I think it is something difficult to eliminate,” he said. “As long as there are people consuming those drugs we will find them in the community.” MHPS receives periodic phone calls about used syringes found. Officers respond and provide safe disposal. It is a safety concern and anyone that comes across syringes that have not been safely disposed of should call police. Ideally, if you can, wait in the area until police arrive or provide them with details of the exact location.

There is always the possibility of children finding these syringes and it is best to explain to them ahead of time to not pick things up they are not familiar with, said West.

There are not necessarily more syringes about but the community is more aware of drug usage, said West. This could in part be the shift we have seen in choice of drugs used. Until about 18 months ago there was not a lot of methamphetamine use compared to cocaine.

“Meth consumption has taken over the cocaine consumption. It is a more addictive drug. It very quickly consumes the person who is using it. It is more dangerous and more intense than cocaine,” said West. “The community is probably seeing more outward signs of drug abuse just because the symptoms of people are just more pronounced.”