Pubdate: Tue, 11 Jul 2006
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/ottawa/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Author: James Gordon
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CRYSTAL METH PRODUCTION THRIVES: REPORT

The number of synthetic drug samples submitted to Health Canada by 
police for analysis has skyrocketed 650 per cent over five years, 
internal government briefings show, suggesting production of highly 
addictive narcotics like crystal methamphetamine continues to thrive here.

"Greater numbers of clandestine laboratory seizures in Canada 
indicate that the synthetic drug industry is expanding," reads a 
briefing note prepared for federal Health Minister Tony Clement, 
obtained by the Citizen under the Access to Information Act.

"In fact, the number of seized samples analysed by Health Canada has 
increased more than sevenfold from 1999 to 2004 (from 733 to 5,554 samples)."

The statistics are based on samples submitted for all offences, 
including possession and trafficking.

Synthetic drugs, such as methamphetamine, ecstasy and GHB (gamma 
hydroxybutyric acid, a notorious date-rape drug) are narcotics 
created via chemical processes, as opposed to organic-based 
substances such as marijuana and cocaine.

Crystal meth, for example, can be produced by mixing the stimulant 
pseudoephedrine (commonly found in over-the-counter decongestants) 
with chemicals in products like battery acid, drain cleaners, 
fertilizer, matchbook strikers and others.

Canada has long been criticized for having lax regulations regarding 
the distribution of precursor chemicals and a lack of inspectors to 
enforce what is in place.

There have been some government efforts to curb the flow. Regulations 
were amended in 2003/2004 to make it harder to move meth ingredients, 
and the maximum jail terms for production and trafficking were 
increased from 10 years to life imprisonment last summer.

According to Health Canada spokeswoman Carole Saindon, the number of 
seizures by police is actually higher than the briefing note reflects.

"Only drug samples for cases that are going to trial are analysed, 
and therefore the data underestimate the total number of illicit drug 
seizures," she said in a written statement.

If someone accused of possessing a drug pleads guilty to the crime, 
it wouldn't show up in the system.

In 2005, Ms. Saindon added, Health Canada analysed 6,192 samples 
containing meth.

Ms. Saindon said government efforts are making a difference in 
production and that "we can report that there has been a decrease in 
the quantity of pseudoephedrine imported into Canada in 2005."

In its most recent assessment of the international drug situation, 
however, the U.S. State Department contends "methamphetamine 
trafficking and availability (in Canada) rose during 2005."

RCMP figures show police busted 25 meth labs in 2002, 37 the next 
year and 40 in 2004.

In addition to health concerns associated with synthetic drugs -- 
which include sleeplessness, paranoia, mood swings, tremors and 
strokes -- bureaucrats warned Mr. Clement about "significant" 
environmental damage caused by production.

"For example, every pound of methamphetamine produces an average of 
five to six pounds of chemical waste which is often improperly 
disposed of outdoors," the briefing says.

"This poses a danger to children and others who live, eat, play or 
walk near production sites."
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman