Pubdate: Mon, 09 Feb 2004 Source: Daily Herald-Tribune, The (CN AB) Copyright: 2004 The Daily Herald-Tribune Contact: http://www.dailyheraldtribune.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/804 Author: Canadian Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH LAB FRUSTRATIONS EDMONTON - Mounties busted nine methamphetamine labs in Alberta last year, but didn't lay a single production or trafficking charge against the criminals behind them. Federal regulations mean Canadians can buy and store many of the chemicals used to make the drug without breaking the law, and that makes it difficult for police to lay charges in cases where the finished product isn't found at the scene. ''We haven't had a good year,'' said Sgt. Harold Trupish, who heads up K-Division's clandestine lab investigation service. ''We've taken some serious items away, but we haven't had charges.'' Drayton Valley Mayor Moe Hamdon said that sends an awful message. ''I've got to think that (criminals) are sitting back laughing because they know they can get away with it,'' he said. ''The police, based on the manpower they have, are doing a great job. But they need additional tools.'' - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin