Pubdate: Sat, 22 Oct 2005 Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Times Colonist Contact: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481 Author: Rob Shaw, Times Colonist Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) PHARMACISTS WRESTLE WITH CRYSTAL METH EPIDEMIC Pharmacists from across Canada could draft a countrywide strategy to battle the rising problem of crystal meth during a meeting in Victoria this weekend. Such a consensus would help prevent the abuse of pharmacy products such as rubbing alcohol, iodine and over-the-counter cold medication - - just a few of the ingredients bought separately but mixed in a meth lab to create cheap and addictive crank. "We want to make sure that the people who are working in our pharmacies, the pharmacists, technicians, assistants, even employees stocking shelves and cashiers, know what to look for when they see an increase in purchase patterns for the ingredients to make crystal meth," said Marc Kealey, chief executive officer of the Ontario Pharmacists' Association (OPA). If pharmacists can better prevent methamphetamine makers from buying the products they need, they could help attack the country's growing crystal meth problem at the source, said Kealey. Crystal meth, which can be smoked, snorted, injected or swallowed, is cheap to make in bulk and provides a long-lasting high. It also severely damages the body's nervous system. Kealey is leading the charge against the drug after his association released a nine-point plan in August to educate pharmacists, schoolchildren and the public on its dangers. He plans to raise the issue and push for a common countrywide consensus when he and provincial pharmacy association members meet this weekend in Victoria. "We know that there's an increase in volume, not only in Victoria, but in smaller communities around the province in terms of increases in crystal meth," Kealey said in an interview Friday. The Crystal Meth Victoria Society held a public meeting Thursday to announce a three-pronged attack to clamp down on the drug's producers. As well, many pharmacies in B.C. are already part of Meth Watch, a North American sticker and decal program to warn buyers that crystal-meth-inspired shopping trends are monitored. "But you just can't put a decal on your window and think you've done your job," said Kealey. "Part and parcel of that, you have to have a plan and it has to be a good plan, with good messaging, good followup and strict adherence to that plan. "If I leave [Victoria] with that, I'll be a happy man." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake