Pubdate: Wed, 28 Sep 2005
Source: Kenora Daily Miner And News (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Kenora Daily Miner and News
Contact:  http://www.kenoradailyminerandnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/855
Author: Shelley Bujold
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PHARMACISTS BECOMING PROACTIVE WITH NEW METH WATCH PROGRAM

Pharmacists are on the look out for makers of methamphetamine.

On his first stop on an Ontario information tour, Marc Kealey, chief 
executive officer of the Ontario Pharmacists Association, said 
Tuesday that pharmacists throughout Ontario are being trained to 
watch for people buying excessive amounts of ingredients used to make 
crystal meth.

"Most of the ingredients to make meth can be purchased at a 
pharmacy," he said. "This is a family issue, that's why it's become 
so important to us."

Crystal meth has been a growing concern in Kenora as well as other 
communities as it has become more widely available. There have been 
several seminars and drug information sessions discussing the impact 
this drug has on its users. Someone who tries methamphetamine can get 
hooked the first time creating serious mental and physical problems 
to themselves.

One of the most sought after pharmaceuticals to make the drug is cold 
medication containing pseudoephedrine The Meth Watch Program is 
geared to stop those who purchase it in large quantities and often.

Kealey said the average citizen will not purchase more than one or 
two packs at a time whereas someone illegally making the drug will 
buy a lot more than once a week.

In the United States several pharmacies have locked up their cold 
medications and forms must be filled out in order for someone to 
purchase some, even if they have a simple cold. Kealey said this kind 
of activity will only drive the drug market underground.

"It could put the pharmacist in harms way, it's premature to advocate 
any change at this point," he said.

Pharmacies could be looted more often and bringing it underground 
would make it more difficult to monitor. Kealey said trucks carrying 
the medication en route to being delivered are already targeted and 
may be even more so. Plus for someone just looking for a cold remedy 
it puts them in an awkward situation.

"Why does everybody have to suffer for cold medication just for a 
couple of bad apples?" he questioned.

Kealey said there is a committee in Ontario gathering to discuss 
options and continue their province wide program to help stop the 
drug from being made wherever possible.
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MAP posted-by: Elizabeth Wehrman