News (Media Awareness Project) - New Zealand: Chemists Keep Closer Tabs On Cold And FLU |
| Title: | New Zealand: Chemists Keep Closer Tabs On Cold And FLU |
| Published On: | 2003-09-24 |
| Source: | Howick And Pakuranga Times (New Zealand) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-01-19 11:17:04 |
CHEMISTS KEEP CLOSER TABS ON COLD AND FLU MEDICINES
LOCAL pharmacies are cracking down on the sale of cold and flu medicines
used in the manufacture of illegal drugs, as police try to curb rising
problems associated with pure methamphetamine in New Zealand.
Pharmacies in the Howick and Botany district have blanket photo
identification checks for all customers wanting to buy
pseudoephedrine-based medicines.
All cough and cold preparations containing pseudoephedrine have been put
behind the counter at Botany's Unichem SuperHealth after a shoplifter stole
the entire shelf stock of a nasal decongestant from the store last weekend.
"The products have been taken off the shelf to avoid the snatch and grab
situation," said proprietor Nic Balfour.
"We work closely with the police, supplying them with information."
East Tamaki's Ti Rakau Pharmacy had increased break-ins in the last year.
Pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu medicines can be used in the production
of pure methamphetamine, or P.
People manufacturing the illegal drug can pay 'shoppers' to travel from
store to store buying the medicines.
Like Botany Life Pharmacy, in Botany Town Centre, staff at Mr Balfour's
shop ask all customers buying the remedies for photo identification.
"We don't pass judgement on anyone - all customers need photo id," said Mr
Balfour.
"We are not trained to be policemen but we do want to minimise the risk and
abuse of pseudoephedrine."
His shop displays police endorsed signs explaining why identification is
requested.
Botany Life Pharmacy pharmacist Keiko Tsukamoto questions customers wanting
pseudoephedrine-based medicines on their symptoms, to determine if there is
a genuine need.
"When they know the symptoms too well you become suspicious as well - like
they have rehearsed them."
She said the pharmacy usually refuses to sell the products if the customer
refuses to produce identification.
Use of P has been linked to several high profile crimes, including the
death of Faletoi Kei at Omana Regional Park, near Maraetai, in April last year.
Parliament reclassified the drug as Class A last year, giving the police
greater powers to police the epidemic.
In the year to June 30, officers uncovered 154 clandestine laboratories in
New Zealand, compared to 66 in the 12 months previous.
LOCAL pharmacies are cracking down on the sale of cold and flu medicines
used in the manufacture of illegal drugs, as police try to curb rising
problems associated with pure methamphetamine in New Zealand.
Pharmacies in the Howick and Botany district have blanket photo
identification checks for all customers wanting to buy
pseudoephedrine-based medicines.
All cough and cold preparations containing pseudoephedrine have been put
behind the counter at Botany's Unichem SuperHealth after a shoplifter stole
the entire shelf stock of a nasal decongestant from the store last weekend.
"The products have been taken off the shelf to avoid the snatch and grab
situation," said proprietor Nic Balfour.
"We work closely with the police, supplying them with information."
East Tamaki's Ti Rakau Pharmacy had increased break-ins in the last year.
Pseudoephedrine-based cold and flu medicines can be used in the production
of pure methamphetamine, or P.
People manufacturing the illegal drug can pay 'shoppers' to travel from
store to store buying the medicines.
Like Botany Life Pharmacy, in Botany Town Centre, staff at Mr Balfour's
shop ask all customers buying the remedies for photo identification.
"We don't pass judgement on anyone - all customers need photo id," said Mr
Balfour.
"We are not trained to be policemen but we do want to minimise the risk and
abuse of pseudoephedrine."
His shop displays police endorsed signs explaining why identification is
requested.
Botany Life Pharmacy pharmacist Keiko Tsukamoto questions customers wanting
pseudoephedrine-based medicines on their symptoms, to determine if there is
a genuine need.
"When they know the symptoms too well you become suspicious as well - like
they have rehearsed them."
She said the pharmacy usually refuses to sell the products if the customer
refuses to produce identification.
Use of P has been linked to several high profile crimes, including the
death of Faletoi Kei at Omana Regional Park, near Maraetai, in April last year.
Parliament reclassified the drug as Class A last year, giving the police
greater powers to police the epidemic.
In the year to June 30, officers uncovered 154 clandestine laboratories in
New Zealand, compared to 66 in the 12 months previous.
Member Comments |
No member comments available...
