METH WATCH PROGRAM COMING TO MISSION

Meth Watch Could Be Coming To Mission Within A Few Weeks.

Meth Watch programs have been catching on in B.C. communities after Maple
Ridge implemented such a program in March, with the intent of stopping
crystal methamphetamine lab operators by making retailers aware of the
precursor chemicals used to make the drug.

"We are going to be unrolling Meth Watch in Mission, I'd hope within the
next couple of weeks," said Maple Ridge-Mission MLA Randy Hawes, who has
been involved with forming crystal meth task forces in both communities he
represents. "This is a really serious problem in the province and we've got
to deal with it right away."

Under a Meth Watch program, Hawes explained, business owners and the
community at large will be educated [i.e. posters, pamphlets, stickers on
shelves that display precursor chemicals and paraphernalia] so they know
what to look for. Retail employees will be able to report anything of
interest, such as the purchase of large quantities of those materials, to
an RCMP hotline.

"People will be looking for anyone purchasing quantities or combinations of
goods [related to making crystal meth]," Hawes said.

Lithium batteries, cough syrups and any medications with ephedrine, Draino,
camp fuel, lye, aluminum foil, coffee filters and glassware are just some
of the precursor meth ingredients to look for.

"The greater the community awareness the better armed we are to fight this
stuff," Hawes said.