B.C. DRUGGISTS TAKE A STAND ON CRYSTAL METH: MONITORING

The B.C. College of Pharmacists has joined the fight against crystal meth
use and addiction.

Druggists are being asked to monitor the sale of over-the-counter cough and
cold medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which can be
used in rudimentary home labs to produce crystal methamphetamine.

The college is requesting pharmacies and other outlets monitor the sale of
these medications and contact authorities if there is a spike in sales.

"If people are buying large amounts, we are asking them to contact
CrimeStoppers," said college spokesperson Dr. Brenda Osmond last week.
Outlets in the Lower Mainland and province-wide that note an increase in
the sale of these medications are being asked to consider voluntarily
moving the products behind the counter.

Known by the names crystal meth, crank, glass or zip, methamphetamine is a
powerful street drug that releases high levels of chemicals into areas of
the brain that regulate feelings of pleasure. It increases wakefulness and
physical activity, and decreases appetite. Meth is popular because it's
cheap and easy to make, with long-lasting effects.

In just two years, crystal meth has overtaken cocaine as the third most
popular drug (after alcohol and marijuana) in the Fraser Health Authority.

A 2002 survey of close to 2,000 students in the Lower Mainland found 19 per
cent had tried crystal meth. The average age for first use of the drug was
just over 14. Most users could obtain it in under 24 hours.

Alberta's College of Pharmacists recently took an even stronger stance than
B.C. regarding medications that can be used to make crystal meth. The
college has asked pharmacists to voluntarily move ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine products behind the counter. It also requested pharmacies
restrict the sale of these products to 400 mg and 3,600 mg respectively.

A number of large food and drug chains, including Save-On-Foods and
Wal-Mart, have agreed to move the products and the college is confident
other retailers will follow.

"If you haven't participated in this initiative, consider doing so for the
sake of your community," states a press release posted on the college's web
site. "Don't be part of the problem by leaving meth precursors readily
available in your pharmacy."

Wal-Mart Canada spokesperson Andrew Pelletier said this week the chain is
voluntary complying with the Alberta college's request "in the interest of
consumer safety."

For now, Alberta is the only province where the medications will be placed
behind the counter, although the chain is willing to comply with any
provincial pharmaceutical college or government to control the illegal
production of methamphetamines, he added.

The B.C. college will continue monitoring the situation closely and will
follow Alberta's lead if necessary, said Osmond.

She said the college's current information suggests these medications are
mostly sold as one-offs - there are few documented instances of customers
purchasing them in large quantities. However, the types of cough and cold
medicines involved are available not only in pharmacies but in grocery
stores, convenience stores and other outlets - making it difficult to track
sales.

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine products - along with a host of toxic
ingredients, including battery acid and ammonia - can be used in at home
meth labs to produce the drug. Dozens of operations are busted every year
in B.C. Most are in the Lower Mainland.

Labs can be built and abandoned quickly, and can be assembled in homes,
hotel rooms, garages and even the back seats of cars. A homemade lab can
produce large quantities of the drug in just a few hours.

Because the chemicals used to produce meth are so volatile, crude labs
present an increased risk of fires and explosions and are unsafe
environments, especially for children.

Pharmacists are among a growing community of health professionals and law
enforcement officials concerned about the increased use of crystal meth.

The drug has a number of side effects - it can cause convulsions and can be
fatal. Crystal meth is also known to cause psychosis in some users, and may
cause permanent changes to brain chemistry.