FURTHER RESTRICTIONS ON CRYSTAL METHAMPHETAMINE INGREDIENTS

Released on April 11, 2006

Healthy Living Services Minister Graham Addley today announced plans to restrict the sale of all cold remedies containing ingredients used to produce crystal methamphetamine.

This move builds on the provincial government's decision last November to move cough and cold products containing only pseudoephedrine (i.e. single entity) behind pharmacy counters. These products are most easily used and preferred when producing crystal methamphetamine.

In co-operation with the Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists, changes will be introduced so that multi-entity cough and cold products containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine will be sold in pharmacies only. While these products will be available in pharmacies only, a transition phase will be provided to allow managed change with other retailers and their suppliers.

Saskatchewan Health will amend The Drug Schedules Regulations, 1997, reclassifying the multi-entity cough and cold products containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine to the "Schedule III" list, meaning they can be sold in pharmacies only. Currently these products are sold at a variety of locations such as gas stations and convenience stores.

Premier's Project Hope committed to build on MethWatch, a voluntary program that monitors the sale of various crystal meth precursors.

"Today we are taking another proactive step to regulate access to crystal meth precursors in cold remedies and I appreciate the co-operation and support of the College of Pharmacists," Addley said. "We are doing everything within our control to restrict access to those products that can be manufactured into crystal meth, while still balancing the need for legitimate access to medication."

"The Saskatchewan College of Pharmacists is committed to doing its part to help curtail the crystal meth problem," College President Debbie McCulloch said. "We feel the new scheduling is a step forward in making the ingredients of production less accessible to those who are involved in crystal meth manufacturing."

Single-entity pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products are products where the sole medicinal product is a decongestant. Multiple-entity pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products contain other medications in addition to the decongestant such as an antihistamine, pain reliever or cough medication.

A list of products captured by today's announcement is attached.

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For More Information, Contact:

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