Pubdate: Fri, 04 Nov 2005 Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 Peace Arch News Contact: http://www.peacearchnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) COLD MEDS TO BE MONITORED The battle against crystal meth could leave B.C. cold sufferers with fewer places to buy medicine for runny noses and coughs. Large sales of cold medications that could be used to make meth will be more tightly monitored by the province in the first plank of a new program. Solicitor General John Les admitted most meth labs use bulk commercial imports to get the chemical precursors they need - they don't usually buy them at pharmacies or grocery stores. "While it's rare for them to use over-the-counter drugs, we want to be as thorough as possible," he said. Les said the province will work with police, pharmacists and retailers to track large sales and thefts of cold medications. If there's evidence of misuse of retail cold medicines, Les said, the province will restrict their sale to licensed pharmacies. If problems persist, B.C. will make the medication available by prescription only. Some provinces are moving faster. Both Manitoba and Saskatchewan have moved to control cold medications by limiting purchases and putting some medicines behind the counter. "While some provinces are pulling cold medicine from the shelves, the situation in B.C. does not yet require the same approach," Les said. The move follows premier Gordon Campbell's September announcement that B.C. will put $7 million toward community-based anti-meth programs, treatment resources and education. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake