Pubdate: Tue, 08 Nov 2005 Source: Abbotsford Times (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Abbotsford Times Contact: http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1009 Author: Mike Chouinard, Staff reporter ATTACK ON METH GETS NEW AMMO John Les is taking some extra caution to fight crystal meth production before it gets a foothold in the province. The Chilliwack-Sumas MLA and solicitor general announced a new plan last week to tackle the production of meth by cutting off its supply lines. The drug can be manufactured from a number of legally obtainable products, such as iodine, red phosphorus from matchbooks, starter fluid, drain cleaner and paint thinner. One of the essential components though is pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, an ingredient found in over-the-counter cough, cold and allergy medicines. The new provincial plan aims to build on the Meth Watch program, which encourages retailers and pharmacists that sell medications with pseudoephedrine or ephedrine to be on the lookout for unusual purchases, specifically extraordinary bulk purchases that could be used to manufacture mass quantities of the street drug. "We're asking the pharmacists and the retailers of the province to be on the lookout," Les said. The new program is actually a three-level strategy, with the first being simply further encouragement among retailers to be aware of any potential problems. A second phase would see the retail sales of medications limited to licensed pharmacies if there is any link to the production of crystal meth. A third phase would make the medications available by prescription only, if the problem persists. "I hope it doesn't come to that," Les said. "We will do it if we have to." Les considers the move a preemptive strike to make sure the supply of material is cut off at least at the retail level, although presently in B.C. the materials for meth labs tend to come from bulk sources. In contrast, in the U.S. and other parts of the country, there has been more of a problem with meth ingredients coming from the retail supplies, according to Les. "B.C. is quite different. Police tell us there's little evidence of that." - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman