DRUG BILL ATTACKS PROBLEM AT ITS SOURCE

Anyone caught with ingredients used to create crystal meth and ecstasy
may soon be charged with a criminal offence.

Changes to the Controlled Drugs and Substance Act to make that happen
received unanimous approval in the House of Commons this week.

"Canadians from all four political parties this week rallied behind a
bill that will protect our youth and make our people healthier," said
a press release from West Vancouver Conservative MP John Weston, who
introduced a private member's bill to amend the act.

The bill, which received third and final reading in the House this
week, must now receive Senate approval before it becomes law.

Weston said ecstasy and crystal meth are highly toxic and addictive
and the bill attempts to attack the problem at its source by dealing
directly with the precursors of the drugs.

Crystal meth can be produced through over-the-counter drugs sold at
pharmacies. It includes ingredients such as ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold and cough medicines. Producers
of the drug cook the ephedrine into crystal meth using chemicals such
as ammonia or lye.

Ecstasy is produced through a complicated scientific process involving
hydrogen peroxide.

Vancouver police Const. Lindsey Houghton said "police welcome anything
that adds to our tool box in taking harmful substances off the
streets. These drugs are insidious substances that ruin lives."