Pubdate: Fri, 06 Jan 2006
Source: Airdrie City View (CN AB)
Copyright: 2006 Airdrie City View Ltd.
Contact:  http://airdriecityview.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3202
Author: Carol Haley
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada)

ALBERTA SHELVES MAIN INGREDIENT OF CRYSTAL METH

As of Dec. 15, 2005, one of the main ingredients used in the
production of crystal methamphetamine was moved under the watchful eye
of local pharmacists. Following an amendment to provincial regulations,
single-entity pseudoephedrine will be reclassified as a schedule two
drug, requiring it to be placed behind the pharmacist's counter.

With the regulation change, Alberta joins BC, Saskatchewan and
Manitoba in imposing greater restrictions on the sale of precursors to
the production of crystal meth. Two of the primary ingredients in
crystal meth are ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, medications used to
treat sinus congestion. Many ephedrine products are already classified
as schedule one drugs, requiring a prescription for access.

A number of medications, most notably cold medicines, contain
pseudoephedrine as an active ingredient.

These products are still available on shelves as they contain only
limited amounts of pseudoephedrine.

The regulation change moves only single-entity pseudoephedrine behind
pharmacy counters and under the supervision of pharmacists as it is
easier to produce crystal meth from a single-entity source.

Alberta continues to be a leader in the fight against crystal meth and
other drugs. In the past year, the province has opened 24 new detox
residential treatment beds for youth affected by crystal meth and has
launched a new task force that will coordinate government and
community-based action against crystal meth. The province has also
increased funding to the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission by
12 per cent, including $4.2 million to establish new youth
detoxification and residential treatment services.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake