Pubdate: Fri, 19 May 2006 Source: Peace Arch News (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Peace Arch News Contact: http://www.peacearchnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1333 Author: Tom Fletcher NO NEED FOR METH LAW: LES An NDP bill to restrict retail sales of cold medicines used in the production of crystal methamphetamine doesn't impress Solicitor General John Les, even after it received support from B.C. Federation of Police Officers. Les said he received extensive advice about drug labs, and police management has made it "very clear our issue is the bulk importation" of crystal meth components. Police have intercepted shipping containers from Asia containing large amounts of precursor chemicals, and large, sophisticated labs run by organized crime. The NDP bill would require pharmacies to keep cold medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind the counter to monitor sales. "Community groups across the province have been calling for the Campbell government to restrict the sale of ingredients found in crystal meth, but the government has insisted there isn't a problem," NDP MLA Rob Fleming said. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake