Pubdate: Wed, 24 May 2006
Source: Esquimalt News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Esquimalt News
Contact:  http://www.esquimaltnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1290
Author: Tom Fletcher
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

NDP BILL PANNED

An NDP bill to restrict retail sales of cold medicines  used in the
production of crystal methamphetamine  doesn't impress Solicitor
General John Les, even after  it received the support of the B.C.
Federation of  Police Officers.

Les said he has received extensive advice about drug  labs, and that
police make it "very clear that our  issue is the bulk importation" of
crystal meth  components. Police have intercepted shipping containers
from Asia containing large amounts of precursor  chemicals destined
for sophisticated labs run by  organized crime.

The bill would require pharmacies to keep medicines  containing
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind the  counter to monitor sales.

"Groups all across the province have been calling for  the Campbell
government to restrict the sale of  ingredients found in crystal meth,
but the government  has insisted there isn't a problem," said NDP MLA
Rob  Fleming. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake