The Staff Sergeant for the Steinbach RCMP Detachment says while the use of fentanyl seems to have quieted down ... meth, marijuana, and crack cocaine are the three most prevalent illegal drugs in the Steinbach area.

Harold Laninga says in the five years he's been stationed in Steinbach he has noticed a resurgence of meth use, that he says he understands was here about eleven years ago as well. He notes the increase in meth use in Steinbach is indicative to what is being seen across the province and across the country.

Staff Sergeant Harold Laninga"I think it's back perhaps because it's relatively inexpensive, the effects of the drug are long-lasting, and it's readily available right now. Unfortunately meth, by virtue of just what it is, is probably causing us the most problems in that, because it's inexpensive, we're getting vehicles entered, money stolen, and some of the petty crimes are definitely related to the meth trade."

He adds meth is made up of very harmful chemicals which an individual is then ingesting into their body noting that is a dangerous practice.

Laninga says parents are very influential in their children's lives and have the opportunities to have candid conversations about drugs and the dangers of drugs, which is important.

"We recently partnered, that's the Steinbach Drug Awareness Committee, partnered with AFM, which is one of our committee members, and presented how to talk to your children about drugs. I think when we look at what is looming in our near future, July 2018 I understand marijuana will be legalized, I think it's even more important that parents are talking to their children."

He adds having parents take time to talk with their children about drugs is the number one thing he thinks needs to be done in terms of education and awareness.