METH LAB FRUSTRATIONS

EDMONTON - Mounties busted nine methamphetamine labs in Alberta
last year, but didn't lay a single production or trafficking charge
against the criminals behind them.

Federal regulations mean Canadians can buy and store many of the
chemicals used to make the drug without breaking the law, and that
makes it difficult for police to lay charges in cases where the
finished product isn't found at the scene.

''We haven't had a good year,'' said Sgt. Harold Trupish, who heads up
K-Division's clandestine lab investigation service. ''We've taken some
serious items away, but we haven't had charges.''

Drayton Valley Mayor Moe Hamdon said that sends an awful
message.

''I've got to think that (criminals) are sitting back laughing because
they know they can get away with it,'' he said. ''The police, based on
the manpower they have, are doing a great job. But they need
additional tools.''