METH STRATEGY TAKES DRUGS OFF SHELVES

Within the next 30 days, 17 different products containing pseudoephedrine
will be taken off Braun Rexall Drug Store shelves and put behind the
counter in accordance with the Manitoba Meth Strategy.

The main ingredient in methamphetamine or crystal meth is pseudoephedrine,
readily available in single ingredient medications like Sudafed.

Customers will only be allowed to purchase one bottle of 60 mg pills per
visit and the Manitoba Meth Task Force hopes the change will stop the
makers of the highly addictive substance from getting their hands on large
quantities. Executive Vice President of the Katz Group Canada Ltd., Russell
Cohen, said other multi ingredient medications which also contain
pseudoephedrine will remain on the shelves. "It's too difficult to extract
the pseudoephedrine which is the product they want," he said.

Cohen said signs will be put in stores to make sure customers find the
products they're looking for.

Precautions are also being taken by Cargill in Altona when it comes to the
storage of anhydrous ammonia, a farm fertilizer used with primary
ingredients to make crystal meth. Manager Barry Mankewich said the business
already does some self policing of the product.

"We've had the RCMP down just to talk about it and we are supplying our
customers with information as well," he said. "We are very proactive."
Mankewich said he advises customers to keep a close eye on their supplies
after they leave the compound. "We want the product to be around for the
growers, it's unfortunate that there are people using (anhydrous ammonia)
for illicit purposes."

MAFRI is working on a education campaign for distributors, farmers and
rural residents which will help them safeguard their tanks.