Pubdate: Wed, 28 Dec 2005
Source: Okotoks Western Wheel (CN AB)
Copyright: 2005, Okotoks Western Wheel
Contact:  http://www.westernwheel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1638
Author: Darlene Casten
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

INGREDIENT FOR CRYSTAL METH PUT BEHIND THE COUNTER

Alberta pharmacists have been enlisted by the provincial government 
to help with the battle against drugs.

The Alberta government announced changes last week to keep 
pseudoephedrine, the main ingredient in the highly addictive drug 
crystal meth, out of the hands of its manufacturers by keeping it 
behind the counter.

Local pharmacists said they have already taken steps to restrict 
access to pseudoephedrine.

Ron Sandul, pharmacist and owner of Sandul's Pharmacy Counter Corner 
in Black Diamond, said he has already shelved pseudoephedrine.

"We dealt with this months ago at the recommendation of the Alberta 
College of Pharmacists," said Sandul.

Concerns over sales or theft of the drug in large quantities were not 
a consideration in the decision to restrict access to the drug, he 
said. "In terms of the supply coming from our pharmacy it is a 
non-issue," Sandul said. "Most times (our staff) would be aware of 
the quantity and would alert the pharmacy manager."

Pseudoephedrines are most commonly found in cold medications, such as 
Sudafed and Eltor.

At Sandul's only medications with pseudoephedrine as the sole 
ingredient are now being stocked behind the counter, but other cold 
medicines that contain the drug as well as other ingredients are 
still available to the public.

In Okotoks, Super Drug Mart has also pulled the drug off the floor.

"We had some safety concerns of large quantities being sold, but we 
never had that happen here," said pharmacist Steve Laycraft. The 
pharmacy agreed to place pseudoephedrine drugs behind the counter as 
a preventative measure.

"It is easier to control if it is sold at the pharmacy than at the 
front," Laycraft said.

Local police are pleased that there is another barrier between 
crystal meth manufacturers and the ingredients needed to create the 
highly addictive drug.

"Any steps taken to make it inconvenient to make it or more difficult 
to mismanage the use of a drug is a positive step," said Sgt. Gary 
Graham of the Okotoks RCMP.

While no crystal meth related charges or even arrests have been made 
in Okotoks, Graham said that doesn't mean the drug doesn't have a 
presence in the foothills.

"We are not receiving complaints about the manufacturing or use of 
crystal meth, but that doesn't mean it is not here," admitted Graham.
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