MATCHBOOK CHEMICAL FOUND IN METH LAB

Red phosphorus seized from a methamphetamine lab near Cremona is evidence
that Canada isn't doing enough to keep meth ingredients out of the hands of
criminals, a veteran Calgary drug investigator says.

RCMP investigators revealed Thursday that the bust also netted police 90
kilograms of red phosphorus -- a substance with limited legal uses, such as
making strike pads in matchbooks.

Because of this, the sale of red phosphorus has been tightly controlled in
the U.S., where buyers need a licence.

In 2003, Health Canada enacted regulations designed to control the illegal
diversion of several legal precursor ingredients -- but not red phosphorus.

"It should be licensed person buying it so (sales) can be tracked," said
Pat Tetley, an expert in clandestine meth labs who recently retired from
the Calgary police drug unit. "What legitimate use would a person like you
or I have for that much red phosphorus?"

Considered a "super lab" by law enforcement agencies, the operation on an
acreage 55 kilometres northwest of Calgary contained almost 10 kilograms of
crystal meth when police raided it early Wednesday.

While it's not the first time police have uncovered meth production in the
area, Tetley said there's a concern users -- especially youths -- will
become a local problem as well.

"These drugs seem to have a way of filtering their way into our schools,"
said Tetley, who lives in the neighbouring MD of Rocky View.

In Calgary, police have noticed an increase in meth on the streets --
though there's no evidence of a widespread jump like the one seen in the
northern half of the province.

The Calgary Police Service recorded 70 meth-related incidents in 2004, up
from 50 the previous year.

"We're starting to hear more about it anecdotally, and through the agencies
we deal with," said Det. Nina Vaughan.

[Name Redacted], 32, and [Name Redacted], 29, of Calgary are charged in
connection with the Cremona lab. Both are in custody pending a court
appearance in Didsbury next Wednesday.