METH INGREDIENTS PULLED FROM SHELVES

The recent move by Alberta pharamacies to help in the battle against
methamphetamine isn't enough, says the local drug action committee
chair.

"I think it's a good start. There needs to be other areas to fall into
place to help it out," said Mike Butler, chair of the Edson and
District Drug Action Coalition.

Pharmacies have volunteered to restrict access to ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine, two of the ingredients used to produce meth.

Butler said the federal government should pass legislation to help
police charge drug dealers who are caught with the ingredients to make
meth. Charges can only be laid if the ingredients are mixed together.

"There must be more teeth than what they can do now," he added.

Edson RCMP Staff Sgt. Ian Lande said it's great that the Alberta
College of Phramacists want to become more involved and take action.
"It's one more step towards trying to control the situation," said
Lande.

He added the community should also want to become involved in solving
the meth problem.

Shoppers Drug Mart and Switzer's Rexall Drugs have both moved products
containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine -- like Sudafed -- behind the
counter and will monitor the sale of these items. The products include
cold medicines, which pharmacists usually discuss with their customers
anyway, said Harold Switzer, of Switzer's Rexall Drugs.

Switzer said he's never noticed any problems of a customer purchasing
abnormal amounts of these products.

He added that it's a good proactive approach to regulate the sales.

"If we can take it out of one teenager's hands, we are doing our job
in one way," said Switzer.

"To have anyone purchase a greater amount (than normal) would be cause
for suspicion," added Shoppers pharmacist Karen Barney.