SASK. PARTY JOINS CRYSTAL METH FIGHT

The Saskatchewan Party is making plans to take the province's crystal meth
problem into its own hands.

"Frankly, we're not going to wait anymore," says party leader Brad Wall.

On Wednesday, the Saskatchewan Party released its five-point plan on
reducing the use of crystal meth and other addictive substances in
Saskatchewan.

The proposed plan advocates treatment programs specifically for children
and the re-establishment of an independent addictions foundation. The
foundation would be staffed by experts specializing in up-to-date treatment
options, said Wall.

The re-establishment of the foundation, which was dissolved in the 1990s,
would ensure that crystal meth treatment got recognition and priority, said
Wall.

Other highlights of the five-point plan include distributing posters to
pharmacies with the list of ingredients and equipment needed to make
crystal meth.

The posters would make retailers aware of crystal meth ingredients, and
help prevent people from buying large quantities of the product, said Wall.

One of the ingredients used to make crystal meth is Sudafed, an
over-the-counter nasal decongestant.

But a pharmacist at the Medi-Centre Pharmacy in Prince Albert said the
posters will have little effect.

"Knowing what the ingredients are isn't going to help," said Vince Gariepy.

Pharmacists are already aware of crystal meth ingredients through education
provided by the Saskatchewan Pharmacy Association, said Gariepy.

Starting last summer, the Medi-Centre Pharmacy ensured that large
quantities of the cough and cold medication used to make crystal meth were
not readily available, said Gariepy.

None of the ingredients in crystal meth are illegal, which can make it
difficult to arrest people caught with the ingredients.

Unless there is clear evidence that someone intended to traffic or
manufacture crystal meth, no charges can be laid, said RCMP spokesman Cpl.
Brian Jones.

The Saskatchewan Party plans to lobby the federal government to give police
the ability to arrest people in possession of the ingredients and equipment
needed to make crystal meth.

While no crystal meth manufacturers have been discovered in the province,
possession charges are on the rise, said Jones.

Enforcement, education and awareness are vital to alleviating the
province's crystal meth problem, said Jones. "I don't think there can be
too much awareness."

Wall said the Saskatchewan Party will continue to call on the government to
take action about crystal meth.

"It's not about politics, it's about getting awareness out there."

The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region, along with local organizations,
has been working on the crystal meth issue for several months, said
spokesman Doug Dahl.

"We have taken action through media campaigns and information sessions,"
said Dahl.