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Deveaux: Moving Cold Remedies Behind The Counter First Step in Assault on Crystal Meth |
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Written by NDP
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Tuesday, 11 April 2006 |
After learning Nova Scotia pharmacies voluntarily moved cold remedies containing pseudoephedrine such as Sudafed Decongestant behind the counter, NDP Justice Critic Kevin Deveaux is calling on Justice Minister Murray Scott to adopt an NDP plan to head off a potential large-scale crystal methamphetamine problem for Nova Scotia in the near future.
"Crystal meth has social and criminal consequences for communities that the government hasn't even begun to anticipate," said Deveaux. "Pharmacists have done the right thing by moving pseudoephedrine products behind the counter, but they can't be expected to fight crystal meth on their own."
"The government needs to lead an all-out assault on crystal meth production. The Minister should know that inaction is a dangerous way to deal with a potential crystal meth epidemic. The NDP has a plan to fight meth and I welcome the opportunity to discuss implementing it with the Minister."
The NDP will introduce legislation in the spring session to deal with the legal distribution of key ingredients in crystal meth. It will restrict access to cold remedies that contain pseudoephedrine and will ensure that agricultural producers who legally sell anhydrous ammonia report missing inventory to police.
The NDP is also calling for the formation of a government-led task force on crystal meth that would include representatives from law enforcement, pharmacists, and those who provide services to populations most likely to use the drug.
Other initiatives in the NDP plan include the development of an "Endangered Child Protocol" to assist children in situations where crystal meth is produced or use is evident, increase funding to police forces to promote crystal meth prevention, and increase funding to mental health and addiction services to deal specifically with crystal meth.
Corner stores and gas stations are also removing from their shelves other medications that contain lower amounts of pseudoephedrine. |
