METHADONE STING POINTS TO PHARMACY PROBLEMS

Sandra walked into Park City Pharmacy at 13565 105A St. recently to get her
daily dose of methadone.

She's had some trouble stabilizing on the drug, so her doctor has her on
daily witnessed ingestion (DWI) - a dose that must be taken in front of the
pharmacist every day. Those instructions are clearly written and stamped on
the prescription.

Sandra (not her real name) is there with The Leader. She takes a day's dose
in front of the pharmacist and then leaves with another bottle of methadone.

The pharmacist's actions were unlawful, says Peter Hickey of the B.C.
College of Physicians and Surgeons, because the pharmacist has dispensed
the drug contrary to the doctor's instructions, a violation of the B.C.
pharmacy act.

Brenda Osmond, deputy registrar for the B.C. College of Pharmacists,
agreed, saying her group will investigate the case as soon as possible.

A pharmacist at Park City who identified himself as "Jerry" said he was
unaware of any unlawful act.

"I don't know what you're talking about," he said Friday, adding he wanted
to know the name of the client. "You are talking to me about an imaginary
situation... "

Asked why she took the risk to help with The Leader's investigation, Sandra
said "because it's wrong, doctors put you on daily doses for a reason."

The "carry" - or take-away prescription - of methadone she was given was
handed over to the RCMP.

Months of interviews with methadone patients have revealed as many as three
other pharmacies in North Surrey are allowing patients to leave the store
with days' worth of the drug, contrary to prescription instructions.

Osmond, when told of The Leader investigation, said the pharmacy could face
a number of penalties including sanction, fines, or a suspension of the
authorization to dispense drugs.

She's looking for reports of similar instances.

"It's exactly the kind of thing we need to hear about, and we need to take
action," Osmond said.

On Friday morning, Osmond faced a firestorm of criticism from city
officials who insist that the college is not adequately enforcing
regulations on pharmacies that undertake questionable practices.

The city has been working to shut down what it terms "methadone
dispensaries" in North Surrey, because officials believe that they bring a
host of problems to the community from people who are addicted to other
substances.

Late last year, Surrey increased the cost of a business licence from $195
annually to $10,000 per year.

On Monday, Surrey will hear from the public regarding a planned bylaw that
will allow police access to pharmacy lists of methadone patients.

On Friday, Osmond renewed her plea to city officials to provide the college
with evidence of unacceptable pharmacy practices.

Mayor Doug McCallum was infuriated by the suggestion that Surrey should be
doing the police work for the college.

"I don't want to hear any more 'give us the evidence, give us the
evidence'," McCallum said, adding the city has evidence from police and the
community that the drug is being traded and misused.

Dr. Penny Ballem, deputy minister of health planning, implored Surrey not
to proceed with the bylaw.

"We've got some work to do with our health authorities, but this isn't
going to happen overnight," Ballem said. "If you pass that bylaw, we're
going to spend a lot of time fighting over that bylaw."

Ballem asked Surrey for a two-week extension so that the health authorities
can provide a plan of action.

McCallum said he would support the delay. "But it's going to be on our
agenda in two weeks," he said.

Meanwhile, Surrey will hear from the public regarding the bylaw on Monday,
3 p.m. in city council chambers at 14245 56 Ave.