Pubdate: Fri, 29 Apr 2005
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2005 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Krisendra Bisetty
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

B.C. EYES NEW LAW TO CURB METH LABS

Legislation Would Restrict Sale Of Medicines Used In Illicit Drugs

B.C. is considering introducing legislation similar to that enacted in 
several American states that puts a freeze on the bulk purchase of 
over-the-counter cold medicines containing ingredients used to make 
methamphetamines.

Oklahoma, which began forcing pharmacists a year ago to put these 
medications behind the counter and limit quantities they sell, as well as 
having customers show photo identification and sign for them, credits the 
law for a dramatic drop in the number of meth laboratories.

Alberta is considering a similar measure and B.C. Solicitor-General Rich 
Coleman said Thursday the possibility exists for such legislation here, 
although he believes the newly-introduced Meth Watch program is a good way 
of getting pharmacists and retailers to monitor and report the purchase of 
products used to make methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant also 
known as crystal meth or speed.

The drug is a growing threat in Canada, particularly in B.C. and Alberta 
and a major problem in the U.S., where legislators in at least six states 
have taken steps to remove medications such as Sudafed and Actifed, and 
their key ingredient, pseudoephedrine, from within easy reach of consumers 
who use them for reasons other than alleviating runny noses and coughs.

The Meth Watch program is modelled on one started in Kansas.

Coleman said the province is in the early stages of looking at how either 
legislation or regulation can be used to limit access.

"We are looking at it," he said in an interview, adding that while his 
staff has been in discussion with the B.C. Pharmacy Association, there have 
been no representations from the B.C. Chiefs of Police, of which the RCMP 
is a part.

Coleman said he has asked staff to look at U.S. legislation. "We are 
looking at jurisdictions around the world on particular initiatives and 
legislation. That's how we build better laws."

Canadian federal regulations, enacted in 2003, require only that companies 
that manufacture, import, export or distribute precursor chemicals be licensed.

Coleman said the pharmacy association, while cooperative, is against having 
the cold medications stored behind the counter, citing space and dispensary 
concerns as reasons.

The association's deputy chief executive officer, Ken Foreman, won't 
comment on the U.S. laws or what he would like to see passed in B.C. but 
said the B.C. Pharmacy Association has indicated to the provincial 
government that it is willing to participate in any policy formation.

METH, SPEED, ICE ...:

Recipes to create crystal meth are commonplace online as are its 
ingredients and necessary equipment:

Over-the-counter cold medicines with pseudoephedrine or ephedrine

Acetone

Rubbing and isopropyl alcohol

Iodine

Starter fluid

Methanol

Drain cleaner

Lithium batteries

Rock salt

Matchbooks (red phosphorus)

Paint thinner

Aluminum foil

Glassware

Coffee filters

Propane tanks

Source: Meth Watch Coalition, Canada
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MAP posted-by: Beth