MATCHBOOK CHEMICAL FOUND IN METH LAB

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MATCHBOOK CHEMICAL FOUND IN METH LAB


Red phosphorus seized from a methamphetamine lab near Cremona is evidence that Canada isn't doing enough to keep meth ingredients out of the hands of criminals, a veteran Calgary drug investigator says.


RCMP investigators revealed Thursday that the bust also netted police 90 kilograms of red phosphorus -- a substance with limited legal uses, such as making strike pads in matchbooks.


Because of this, the sale of red phosphorus has been tightly controlled in the U.S., where buyers need a licence.


In 2003, Health Canada enacted regulations designed to control the illegal diversion of several legal precursor ingredients -- but not red phosphorus.


"It should be licensed person buying it so (sales) can be tracked," said Pat Tetley, an expert in clandestine meth labs who recently retired from the Calgary police drug unit. "What legitimate use would a person like you or I have for that much red phosphorus?"


Considered a "super lab" by law enforcement agencies, the operation on an acreage 55 kilometres northwest of Calgary contained almost 10 kilograms of crystal meth when police raided it early Wednesday.


While it's not the first time police have uncovered meth production in the area, Tetley said there's a concern users -- especially youths -- will become a local problem as well.


"These drugs seem to have a way of filtering their way into our schools,"


said Tetley, who lives in the neighbouring MD of Rocky View.


In Calgary, police have noticed an increase in meth on the streets -- though there's no evidence of a widespread jump like the one seen in the northern half of the province.


The Calgary Police Service recorded 70 meth-related incidents in 2004, up from 50 the previous year.


"We're starting to hear more about it anecdotally, and through the agencies we deal with," said Det. Nina Vaughan.


[Name Redacted], 32, and [Name Redacted], 29, of Calgary are charged in connection with the Cremona lab. Both are in custody pending a court appearance in Didsbury next Wednesday.