ROUTLEY BACKS NDP METH BILL

British Columbia is falling behind in controlling the sale of legal
drugs used to manufacture crystal meth, says Cowichan-Ladysmith MLA
Doug Routley.

Routley, speaking in support of an NDP bill, is looking to push
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products, used in decongestant
medications, behind the pharmacy counter.

"B.C. leads Canada in the manufacture of crystal meth but we have the
least amount of regulation," Routley said. "This bill will help
eliminate smaller meth labs in our communities. Small labs do damage
to lives in small towns."

The Crystal Meth Prevention Act was introduced May 10 by Jagrup Brar,
MLA for Surrey Panorama Ridge. If passed, it would put decongestants
behind the counter, would require pharmacists to discuss the
medication with the buyer and would restrict the amount sold at any one time.

Six provinces and 40 U.S. states restrict the sale of
ephedrine-linked products. At least four U.S. states require
pharmacies collect personal information on purchasers.

Routley admits the bill is unlikely to halt the wholesale manufacture
of crystal meth. Recent media reports have indicated large meth labs
stay under the radar by smuggling ephedrine and other crystal meth
precursors into Canada in bulk volumes.

"It won't make a dent in the bigger market of drugs, but it is a
small and important step to deal with the drug," he said. "It is
symbolic and will put us in line with other jurisdictions."

Susan Ogilvie, the spokesperson for the B.C. Pharmacy Association,
questioned need for such legislation, saying most pharmacists are
part of the Meth Watch program, and are already vigilant about
controlling the sale of products linked with crystal meth.

She also pointed out that the RCMP has never found a link between the
purchase of ephedrine products from B.C. pharmacies and the
manufacture of crystal meth.

"We doubt it will effect the distribution and manufacture of crystal
meth, most of which is run by organized crime," Ogilvie said. "There
is no doubt it is a vile drug, but restricting the sale of a legal
product will not solve the problem."