CRYSTAL METH BATTLE GEARS UP

The war against crystal meth is solidifying locally thanks to expanded
training for police and new rules from the province.

The 2006 Lacombe Police Services plan identifies the growing problem of
methamphetamine labs in Canada.

"All of us need to be vigilant," said Chief David Lock of the Lacombe
Police Service. "It is here, we cannot be permissive."

The strategy outlined the training of one police officer in meth lab
response who will be capable of ensuring the safety of all persons when
investigating a crime scene where the drug is manufactured.

"If we understand the methods of production, effects and symptoms of meth,
our officers and associated front line workers will be able to identify
lab locations, manage crystal meth users and most importantly safeguard
potential hazards," added Lock.

The Alberta government took measures to limit the availability of a main
ingredient by moving single-entity pseudo ephedrine, found in
non-prescription cold medicines behind the counter where pharmacists can
regulate its distribution.

"With all of the western provinces now on board, we are now able to make a
unified push to control the production of crystal meth," said Iris Evans,
Alberta's Health and Wellness minister. "By restricting the sale of the
main precursors of the drug, we hope to reduce the production and sale of
this dangerous drug."

Many local pharmacies followed previous provincial suggestions and
practiced the behind counter distribution of related products for some time.

Rexall Drugs pharmacist Walter Hackett began controlling the sale of
pseudo ephedrine medication about a year ago.

"If somebody wanted it for the manufacturing of crystal meth, they would
have to go elsewhere," he added.

Regulating the distribution is easy considering the extremely high amounts
of these medications needed to produce the drug would never make it over
the counter.

It is not a problem Hackett has dealt with, "But out front there is the
chance it could be abused."

Alberta is leading the way in the battle against crystal meth by opening
24 residential beds for the treatment of youth, launching a new task force
and increasing funding to battle the drug by 12 per cent including $4.2
million to establish the detoxification services.

"I think we've made the right move to continue our fight against crystal
meth without necessarily limiting access to medications that Albertans may
legitimately need," said Evans.