Pubdate: Tue, 27 Jul 2004
Source: Abbotsford News (CN BC)
Copyright: 2004 Hacker Press Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.abbynews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1155
Author: Julia Caranci
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/coke.htm (Cocaine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

B.C. DRUGGISTS TAKE A STAND ON CRYSTAL METH: MONITORING

The B.C. College of Pharmacists has joined the fight against crystal meth 
use and addiction.

Druggists are being asked to monitor the sale of over-the-counter cough and 
cold medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which can be 
used in rudimentary home labs to produce crystal methamphetamine.

The college is requesting pharmacies and other outlets monitor the sale of 
these medications and contact authorities if there is a spike in sales.

"If people are buying large amounts, we are asking them to contact 
CrimeStoppers," said college spokesperson Dr. Brenda Osmond last week. 
Outlets in the Lower Mainland and province-wide that note an increase in 
the sale of these medications are being asked to consider voluntarily 
moving the products behind the counter.

Known by the names crystal meth, crank, glass or zip, methamphetamine is a 
powerful street drug that releases high levels of chemicals into areas of 
the brain that regulate feelings of pleasure. It increases wakefulness and 
physical activity, and decreases appetite. Meth is popular because it's 
cheap and easy to make, with long-lasting effects.

In just two years, crystal meth has overtaken cocaine as the third most 
popular drug (after alcohol and marijuana) in the Fraser Health Authority.

A 2002 survey of close to 2,000 students in the Lower Mainland found 19 per 
cent had tried crystal meth. The average age for first use of the drug was 
just over 14. Most users could obtain it in under 24 hours.

Alberta's College of Pharmacists recently took an even stronger stance than 
B.C. regarding medications that can be used to make crystal meth. The 
college has asked pharmacists to voluntarily move ephedrine and 
pseudoephedrine products behind the counter. It also requested pharmacies 
restrict the sale of these products to 400 mg and 3,600 mg respectively.

A number of large food and drug chains, including Save-On-Foods and 
Wal-Mart, have agreed to move the products and the college is confident 
other retailers will follow.

"If you haven't participated in this initiative, consider doing so for the 
sake of your community," states a press release posted on the college's web 
site. "Don't be part of the problem by leaving meth precursors readily 
available in your pharmacy."

Wal-Mart Canada spokesperson Andrew Pelletier said this week the chain is 
voluntary complying with the Alberta college's request "in the interest of 
consumer safety."

For now, Alberta is the only province where the medications will be placed 
behind the counter, although the chain is willing to comply with any 
provincial pharmaceutical college or government to control the illegal 
production of methamphetamines, he added.

The B.C. college will continue monitoring the situation closely and will 
follow Alberta's lead if necessary, said Osmond.

She said the college's current information suggests these medications are 
mostly sold as one-offs - there are few documented instances of customers 
purchasing them in large quantities. However, the types of cough and cold 
medicines involved are available not only in pharmacies but in grocery 
stores, convenience stores and other outlets - making it difficult to track 
sales.

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products - along with a host of toxic 
ingredients, including battery acid and ammonia - can be used in at home 
meth labs to produce the drug. Dozens of operations are busted every year 
in B.C. Most are in the Lower Mainland.

Labs can be built and abandoned quickly, and can be assembled in homes, 
hotel rooms, garages and even the back seats of cars. A homemade lab can 
produce large quantities of the drug in just a few hours.

Because the chemicals used to produce meth are so volatile, crude labs 
present an increased risk of fires and explosions and are unsafe 
environments, especially for children.

Pharmacists are among a growing community of health professionals and law 
enforcement officials concerned about the increased use of crystal meth.

The drug has a number of side effects - it can cause convulsions and can be 
fatal. Crystal meth is also known to cause psychosis in some users, and may 
cause permanent changes to brain chemistry.
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