NEW MAYOR TO MOVE QUICKLY ON TREATMENT FOR DRUG ADDICTS

MAPLE RIDGE - Drug addicts in Maple Ridge will have access to
on-demand treatment programs within a week of Gord Robson's swearing
in as mayor, he promised Saturday night.

Robson, well-known for his campaigning with the Crystal Meth Task
Force, said he will use the resources of the district to fight the problem.

"I consider these people on the streets victims, and I want to treat
them like they're bleeding from the ear," he said. "It's not a big
dollar amount," Robson said.

Robson is meeting with district chief administrative officer Jim Rule
this week to find out exactly what can be done in such short order.

Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadow's top cop said any headway in getting
more addicts into rehab and detox programs would be a benefit for the
community. "When we are dealing with drug addicts, time is of the
essence," said Insp. Janice Armstrong.