GOV’T MAKING IT HARDER TO CONCOCT STREET

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GOV'T MAKING IT HARDER TO CONCOCT STREET DRUGS


OTTAWA - The federal government is proposing stronger regulation of chemicals used to make crystal meth and a "date rape" drug.


Health Canada has proposed several amendments to the Precursor Control Regulations, including the addition of six chemicals that can be used to make methamphetamine and/or gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), also known as the date rape drug.


The chemicals are gamma butyrolactone, 1,4-butanediol, red phosphorus, white phosphorus, hypophosphorous acid and hydriodic acid. Under the proposed amendment, they would be classified as Class A precursors, which require a licence and permit for import and export, and a licence for production and distribution.


Changes to the Schedules of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act


(CDSA) are also being considered by Health Canada and two other federal departments, according to a statement.


Methamphetamine could be moved to a different schedule under the CDSA in order to impose higher penalties for offences involving the drug.


Health Canada is studying the health and social harms associated with methamphetamine, GHB and other drugs listed in Schedules I, II and III of the CDSA. The analysis will ensure consistency in the scheduling of substances that pose comparable levels of risk and will assist the government in reviewing penalties for the production, possession and trafficking of these drugs, the statement said.


Recommendations on the rescheduling are expected by the fall of 2005.