Crimes revolving around meth use continue to climb, plaguing the Winkler community.

"We're definitely seeing the increase in the use of meth," Winkler Police Chief Rick Hiebert says. "I think it's been growing in the Province in the last year, and we're running into it much more regularly."

He says addiction to the drug has ripple effects in terms of petty theft to fund the habit, "it affects a lot more people that way."

On February 7, during a traffic stop in the Northlands Parkway area, officers discovered a small quantity of methamphetamine, over $1,400 in cash, several cell phones and other items related to meth trafficking.

Amanda Charlene Wolfe, age 37, has been charged with possessing meth for the purpose of trafficking and is set to appear in Morden Provincial Court on February 27.

Evan Kyle Gandier, age 29, has also been charged with possessing meth for the purpose of trafficking and is set to appear in Morden Provincial Court on March 13.

Hiebert hopes the sentences that stem from these charges will be a deterrent. Yet, as long as users exist, he says there will likely be others willing to exploit them.

"Sadly wherever there is demand, there will always be the opportunity to find it."

Numerous cases of meth use ruining lives and careers exist, Hiebert says, "it's sad for any community."