SASKATCHEWAN BROADENS ITS FIGHT AGAINST CRYSTAL METH

Released on December 7, 2005

Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley addressed the National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee in Ottawa over the weekend. It is reviewing whether placing restrictions on the sale of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine is warranted because of the abuse potential in the manufacturing of crystal methamphetamines.

In November, Saskatchewan announced its plan to restrict the sale of certain cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine – one of the ingredients used to make crystal meth. Cough and cold remedies, containing only pseudoephedrine, are now kept behind pharmacy counters in this province. As well, the volume of pseudoephedrine that may be sold at any transaction is now limited at 3,600 milligrams.

"One of the goals of Project Hope is going after the source of drugs of abuse," Addley said. "We are committed to making it more difficult for individuals to manufacture crystal meth in Saskatchewan."

Addley told the expert committee that Saskatchewan would strongly support a decision to follow this province's leadership by placing non-prescription, single entity, pseudoephedrine products on Schedule II (meaning the products can only be sold in pharmacies and must be kept behind the counter).

He told the expert committee that such a move would be a significant first step in helping restrict access to these crystal meth ingredients right across the country.

The National Association of Pharmacy Regulatory Authorities (NAPRA) is the national organization representing provincial and territorial pharmacy regulatory bodies whose mandate is the protection of the public. The National Drug Scheduling Advisory Committee (NDSAC) provides advice to NAPRA, which in turn makes recommendations to provincial regulatory authorities.

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For More Information, Contact:

Jocelyn Argue Health Regina Phone: (306) 787-4083