CLOSE LEGAL LOOPHOLES ON METH: DETECTIVE

Loopholes in federal laws aimed at restricting the sale of crystal meth are
frustrating efforts to stop the spread of meth labs across Alberta, says a
city drug cop.

Health Canada's Precursor Control Regulations restrict the production and
trade of the easy-to-find chemicals needed to make the drug.

The regulations restrict import, export and sale of the chemicals, but too
little is done to limit who can buy them, said Det. Darcy Strang, with the
city police drug section.

"It's frustrating, of course. It's very frustrating," he said.

"What it doesn't do is address domestic possession. If you or I have 25
pounds of pseudoephedrine in our basement, as long as we're not planning to
import or export it, there's nothing illegal about it.

"I'm attempting to see right now if we can get the Controlled Drugs and
Substances Act changed so there's a charge for the purpose of production."

Alberta Solicitor General Heather Forsyth is pushing for the federal
government to act on that amendment, said department spokesman Peter
Tadman. Forsyth would also like to see added restrictions on who can buy
meth ingredients, he said.

"It lies at the root of the problem because these chemicals are easily
obtained, and that makes it difficult for police," he said. "To sell them
in the manner that they can be purchased leads to people making meth."

Red phosphorous - a popular meth lab ingredient - will be added to the list
of controlled chemicals within a year, said Health Canada spokesman Jirina Vlk.

The regulations are tough enough to curb the flow of otherwise legal
chemicals into meth labs, said Alex Swann, a spokesman for federal Health
Minister Anne McLellan.

"We feel we're doing what's necessary to deal with the problem," Swann
said. "For the time being, we're satisfied these regulations do control the
sale. Obviously, I can't rule out anything in the future."

Det. Strang added that outside of Edmonton, more and more labs are being
set up in rural areas. Fort Saskatchewan RCMP said they're facing a major
meth problem, and attributed a 143% spike in thefts under $5,000 from last
year to addicts looking to pay for meth fixes.

In 2000 alone, the town of Drayton Valley - with a population of about
5,800 people - saw 10 meth busts in 12 months.