Pubdate: Thu, 15 Sep 2005
Source: Stratford City Gazette, The (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Stratford City Gazette
Contact: http://www.metroland.com/sw/customerservice/lettertoeditor/
Website: http://www.metroland.com/sw/news/stratford/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3716
Author: Tori Sutton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CITY COUNCIL ENDORSES NEW METHAMPHETAMINE PROGRAMS

City council has thrown their support behind two programs aiming to curb 
local production of methamphetamine.

At Monday night's meeting, council passed two resolutions endorsing 
MethWatch and the RCMP's ChemWatch program.

The decision came after presentations on both programs. Donnie Edwards, 
vice-president of the Ontario Pharmacists Association and Gerry Harrington, 
director of public and professional affairs for NDMAC - an association 
representing the self-care health product industry - outlined the benefits 
of the MethWatch program.

MethWatch, which was launched over the last few weeks in Perth County, 
teaches pharmacists and staff to spot suspicious purchases of medicines 
contained pseudoephedrine, a chemical used in the production of meth.

Harrington said most meth is produced in "super labs" run by organized 
crime, but noted addict-based home labs have become an increasing problem 
in Perth County.

Cpl. Brett Hill of the RCMP said diversion of chemicals used in drug 
production is a global problem and warned small lab operations often become 
involved with organized crime.

He said the RCMP's mission is to disrupt and dismantle criminal 
organizations producing such drugs.

He suggested pharmacies willingly put medications containing chemicals used 
in the production of meth behind the counter.

"Labs pose a serious threat to the public, police, firefighters and 
ambulance staff," said Hill.

Stratford is the first city in Ontario to endorse the programs.

Mayor Dan Mathieson said Monte Kwinter, minister of community safety and 
correctional service, may visit the city on Monday to officially launch the 
programs. Later that day, he expected the first formal training session for 
area pharmacy staff to be held.

As well, a public meeting on methamphetamine was to have taken place on 
Wednesday night.

The formation of a meth task force was to take place. The task force is 
expected to include Mathieson, MPP John Wilkinson, Rosana Pellizzari, 
medical officer of health, Ed Hollinger, Perth County warden and Tony 
Winter, mayor of St. Marys.
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