Pubdate: Tue, 27 Dec 2005
Source: Lacombe Globe, The (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005 Lacombe Globe
Contact:  http://www.lacombeglobe.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3296
Author: James Neeley, Globe Staff Writer
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRYSTAL METH BATTLE GEARS UP

The war against crystal meth is solidifying locally thanks to expanded 
training for police and new rules from the province.

The 2006 Lacombe Police Services plan identifies the  growing problem of 
methamphetamine labs in Canada.

"All of us need to be vigilant," said Chief David Lock  of the Lacombe 
Police Service. "It is here, we cannot  be permissive."

The strategy outlined the training of one police  officer in meth lab 
response who will be capable of  ensuring the safety of all persons when 
investigating a  crime scene where the drug is manufactured.

"If we understand the methods of production, effects  and symptoms of meth, 
our officers and associated front  line workers will be able to identify 
lab locations,  manage crystal meth users and most importantly  safeguard 
potential hazards," added Lock.

The Alberta government took measures to limit the  availability of a main 
ingredient by moving  single-entity pseudo ephedrine, found in 
non-prescription cold medicines behind the counter  where pharmacists can 
regulate its distribution.

"With all of the western provinces now on board, we are  now able to make a 
unified push to control the  production of crystal meth," said Iris Evans, 
Alberta's  Health and Wellness minister. "By restricting the sale  of the 
main precursors of the drug, we hope to reduce  the production and sale of 
this dangerous drug."

Many local pharmacies followed previous provincial  suggestions and 
practiced the behind counter  distribution of related products for some time.

Rexall Drugs pharmacist Walter Hackett began  controlling the sale of 
pseudo ephedrine medication  about a year ago.

"If somebody wanted it for the manufacturing of crystal  meth, they would 
have to go elsewhere," he added.

Regulating the distribution is easy considering the  extremely high amounts 
of these medications needed to  produce the drug would never make it over 
the counter.

It is not a problem Hackett has dealt with, "But out  front there is the 
chance it could be abused."

Alberta is leading the way in the battle against  crystal meth by opening 
24 residential beds for the  treatment of youth, launching a new task force 
and  increasing funding to battle the drug by 12 per cent  including $4.2 
million to establish the detoxification  services.

"I think we've made the right move to continue our  fight against crystal 
meth without necessarily limiting  access to medications that Albertans may 
legitimately  need," said Evans.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D