Pubdate: Fri, 12 May 2006 Source: Surrey Leader (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Surrey Leader Contact: http://www.surreyleader.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1236 Author: Kevin Diakiw Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METH BILL 'SMALL STEP' Most meth labs in this province use chemical products from overseas, according to a senior drug cop who says a bill tabled by a Surrey MLA this week will likely have little effect. Jagrup Brar, MLA for Surrey Panorama Ridge, introduced the Crystal Meth Prevention Act in the legislature Wednesday to control the sale of cold medicines at pharmacies. Some of the medicines contain drugs (ephedrine and pseudoephedrine) that can be extracted and made into crystal methamphetamine (meth), an extremely addictive and dangerous drug. RCMP Sgt. Scott Rintoule called Brar's bill "proactive" and welcomed any legislation that might help, but pointed out that police in this province rarely find evidence of distilled cold medicines in busted meth labs. Virtually all ephedrine and pseudoephedrine is bought in pure form from China and India. Its importation is legal to licensed buyers who claim to be making cold medicine. Rintoule, head of drug and organized crime awareness for the RCMP, said most of the labs are run by gangs. He also observed that meaningful change will require adequate treatment for those addicted to the drug. Brar said Thursday his bill is a "small but important" step in curbing the production of meth in this province. He pointed to an example of a drug lab near James Bay on Vancouver Island where 200 capsules of cold medicine were found. Earlier this year the National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities wanted to restrict pharmacy over-the-counter sales of cold and allergy medicines containing the drugs. However, the B.C. College of Pharmacists isn't prepared to restrict the sale of the precursors yet as it's apparent they aren't being widely used to make meth. Brar's bill will be debated further, likely in the fall sitting of the legislature. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman