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."