CRYSTAL METH LEGISLATION UNLIKELY TO PASS

An NDP bill to restrict retail sales of cold medicines used in the
production of crystal methamphetamine doesn't impress Solicitor
General John Les, even after it received the support of the B.C.
Federation of Police Officers.

Les said he has received extensive advice about drug labs, and police
management has made it "very clear that our issue is the bulk
importation" of crystal meth components. Police have intercepted
shipping containers from Asia containing large amounts of precursor
chemicals, and large, sophisticated labs run by organized crime.

The NDP bill would require pharmacies to keep cold medicines
containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine behind the counter to monitor
sales.

"Community groups all across the province have been calling for the
Campbell government to restrict the sale of ingredients found in
crystal meth, but the government has insisted there isn't a problem,"
said NDP MLA Rob Fleming.