CRYSTAL METH TASK FORCE GETS UNDERWAY

EDMONTON - The Alberta task force battling the scourge of crystal meth
is getting down to business.

The group, headed up by Premier Ralph Klein's wife, Colleen Klein, is
holding provincewide consultations with interest groups and
organizations for the next month.

Colleen Klein says crystal meth is a complex problem and can only be
eradicated by first talking to those who have been impacted by the
drug.

The task force plans to focus on key areas including law enforcement,
aboriginals and youth.

Crystal methamphetamine is considered very dangerous because it's
highly addictive and leaves victims with brain damage and gaps in memory.

Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta have already decided to restrict
the sale of cold remedies and other drugs that contain its key
ingredient -- pseudoephedrine.