CONFERENCE TO TACKLE CRYSTAL METH

Police, Politicians And Welfare Workers Will Discuss Problem
Drug

VANCOUVER - Politicians, police, health experts and academics from
four provinces will gather in Vancouver for three days in November to
discuss growing concerns about crystal methamphetamine.

The Western Canadian Summit on Methamphetamine, scheduled for Nov.
15-17, is expected to attract 250 delegates for high-level discussions
about a drug that has become a serious problem in British Columbia and
other provinces.

"All agencies agree that it is one of the most toxic and addictive
drugs and that its use seems to be increasing especially among street
youth," briefing notes prepared recently for Solicitor-General Rich
Coleman say.

Police, health and social-service providers don't all agree on the
prevalence of crystal meth use in B.C.

But it is a concern for law-enforcement agencies because it can be
produced cheaply by individuals mixing chemicals in their home
bathtubs -- which is highly dangerous and highly volatile, -- and
because it's connected with the Hells Angels and organized crime,
Coleman said in an interview Wednesday.

"It's highly addictive and causes all kinds of health issues," he
said. "But it's also a criminal activity that has significant impacts."

The government outlined a strategy for dealing with the crystal meth
problem in August. Coleman said one of the most important steps in
combating its use is education -- especially for young people so they
will know the dangers of the drug before they decide to experiment.

Now, some young people are being exposed to crystal meth without
realizing it. Coleman said recent tests of club drugs such as ecstasy
found that more than half were laced with crystal meth. "The people
who are in this business don't care . . how they go about addicting
people."

Crystal meth, which is five times more potent than speed from the
1970s, is a powerful, addictive stimulant. Side effects can include
heart palpitations, confusion, severe anxiety, paranoia, violence and
psychosis. Long-term use can cause permanent psychotic symptoms,
according to a document released in August when the government
announced its strategy for fighting the drug.

Coleman said his ministry is working with pharmacists to get their
help in identifying people who buy large supplies of the
over-the-counter drugs (mainly cold medicines containing ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine) that contain the ingredients used in crystal meth
production.

He said he is not pushing pharmacists to move all such medicines
behind the counter -- as was recommended recently by professional
associations of pharmacists in Alberta and Saskatchewan -- because
that solution is too simplistic.

"It's not so much putting a product behind the counter that's
important, but to keep an eye on who's buying it, who's coming through
the till and making sure there's not bulk buying taking place in
stores," he said.

He would like to see 1-800 lines established so drugstore employees
can report on suspicious purchases.

"We think that there's a real opportunity for a commitment to
community between not just pharmacies but the retail sector ... and
law enforcement communities [that would] have a better impact than
simply saying put it behind the counter."

The B.C. College of Pharmacists has already urged members to watch for
customers who buy large quantities of the products used in crystal
meth production.

The ministry says methamphetamine production appears to be a greater
problem in more rural areas and areas outside Vancouver, such as
Chilliwack and Abbotsford.

This fall's summit, which is being organized by the Vancouver Coastal
Health Authority, will include representatives from B.C., Alberta,
Saskatchewan and Manitoba.