NDP BILL PANNED

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 that
police make 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 destined
for sophisticated labs run by organized crime.

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

"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.