Pubdate: Wed, 24 May 2006 Source: Esquimalt News (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Esquimalt News Contact: http://www.esquimaltnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1290 Author: Tom Fletcher Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?241 (Methamphetamine - Canada) NDP BILL PANNED 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 the support of the B.C. Federation of Police Officers. Les said he has received extensive advice about drug labs, and that police make it "very clear that our issue is the bulk importation" of crystal meth components. Police have intercepted shipping containers from Asia containing large amounts of precursor chemicals destined for sophisticated labs run by organized crime. The bill would require pharmacies to keep medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind the counter to monitor sales. "Groups all 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," said NDP MLA Rob Fleming. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake