BC UNVEILS PLAN TO CONTROL METH INGREDIENTS

B.C. is introducing a new program to more closely monitor bulk sales
of cold medications that can be used to make crystal meth, Solicitor
General John Les announced today.

"Meth labs in B.C. are highly organized commercial operations. While
it's rare for them to use over-the-counter drugs, we want to be as
thorough as possible," Les said. "We are working with pharmacists,
police and retailers on a three-point plan to cut off a potential
source of key ingredients needed to make this deadly drug."

Star/Journal editor Jill Hayward, who is a core member of the Barriere
Against Drugs group, said, "This is a positive move towards
controlling the production of meth in our communities. Everything that
the government, law enforcement agencies, and individual communities
do towards controlling drug and substance abuse is a step in the right
direction. I really believe that the initial move to get control must
always come from public awareness and community involvement at the
local level. That's where the people are and that's where the problems
can be found - close to home."

In the first phase of the plan, police, pharmacists and retailers,
through co-ordinated programs like Meth Watch, will monitor closely
for bulk sales and theft of cold medications. If there is any evidence
of misuse of retail products, the Province will restrict the sale of
these products to licensed pharmacies. If problems persist, B.C. will
make these medications available by prescription only.

"Evidence from police agencies, customs and independent research tells
us that in B.C., meth labs utilize bulk commercial imports of chemical
precursors. They do not currently use off-the-shelf cough syrups and
cold pills in large-scale methamphetamine production," Les said.
"While some provinces are pulling cold medicine from the shelves, the
situation in B.C. does not yet require the same approach."

Premier Gordon Campbell recently announced $7 million in funding to
support community-based anti-meth programs, additional treatment
resources, and an extensive public awareness and education campaign.
The initiative includes:

* $2 million to enhance existing treatment programs and ensure that
professional care is available for meth-addicted youth.

* $2 million for community based programs, which will provide up to
$10,000 in seed money to community groups and municipalities.

* $1 million for a school-based crystal meth awareness
campaign.

* An additional $2 million for a broad-based public education
campaign, to ensure that youth and their parents are aware of the
facts about meth use and addiction.

B.C.'s crystal meth strategy is co-ordinated by a new secretariat
operating within the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.

Barriere Against Drugs is a community based organization that can be
contacted through calling the Volunteer Centre at 672-0033.