PHARMACIES MUST KEEP BETTER TABS ON CRYSTAL METH INGREDIENTS

'Unified Push' Squeezes Makers Of Noxious Drug

EDMONTON - The Klein government has ordered the province's pharmacists to
move the main product used to make crystal methamphetamine behind their
counters.

Health Minister Iris Evans said pharmacies will now be required to dispense
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products over the counter, rather than having
them available on public racks. Alberta is the last western province to
order this change, Evans said.

"With all of the western provinces now on board, we are now able to make a
unified push to control the production of crystal meth," she said.

The edict will not affect decongestants that also contain other drugs,
including pain relievers such as acetaminophen, and sleep aids.

In recent years, most pharmacies in urban centres had already moved the
powerful decongestants behind their counters to cut down on shoplifting and
to maintain better control over what has become a popular stimulant among
students, dieters and amateur athletes. The fact that it is also the main
ingredient in a street drug that is killing and injuring young people
across North America just adds to the urgency.

Thursday's order is aimed at ensuring that those ingredients are difficult
to acquire.

Evans said crystal meth is a scourge that could to devastate the lives of
thousands of young Albertans.

"If we didn't do something to stop crystal meth, we could see people at 35
years of age in long-term care because they've blown their brains out. It's
that simple," she said.