Pubdate: Fri, 11 Nov 2005
Source: Red River Valley Echo, The (CN MB)
Copyright: 2005 Altona Red River Valley Echo
Contact:  http://www.altonaecho.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4006
Author: Sarah Morgan
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH STRATEGY TAKES DRUGS OFF SHELVES

Within the next 30 days, 17 different products containing pseudoephedrine 
will be taken off Braun Rexall Drug Store shelves and put behind the 
counter in accordance with the Manitoba Meth Strategy.

The main ingredient in methamphetamine or crystal meth is pseudoephedrine, 
readily available in single ingredient medications like Sudafed.

Customers will only be allowed to purchase one bottle of 60 mg pills per 
visit and the Manitoba Meth Task Force hopes the change will stop the 
makers of the highly addictive substance from getting their hands on large 
quantities. Executive Vice President of the Katz Group Canada Ltd., Russell 
Cohen, said other multi ingredient medications which also contain 
pseudoephedrine will remain on the shelves. "It's too difficult to extract 
the pseudoephedrine which is the product they want," he said.

Cohen said signs will be put in stores to make sure customers find the 
products they're looking for.

Precautions are also being taken by Cargill in Altona when it comes to the 
storage of anhydrous ammonia, a farm fertilizer used with primary 
ingredients to make crystal meth. Manager Barry Mankewich said the business 
already does some self policing of the product.

"We've had the RCMP down just to talk about it and we are supplying our 
customers with information as well," he said. "We are very proactive." 
Mankewich said he advises customers to keep a close eye on their supplies 
after they leave the compound. "We want the product to be around for the 
growers, it's unfortunate that there are people using (anhydrous ammonia) 
for illicit purposes."

MAFRI is working on a education campaign for distributors, farmers and 
rural residents which will help them safeguard their tanks.
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D