Yukon Pharmacists Cooperate with Battle against Crystal Meth
For Release #05-287
Tuesday, Nov 1, 2005
WHITEHORSE -- Health and Social Services Minister Peter Jenkins today announced that local pharmacists have voluntarily agreed to remove cold medications containing the ingredients used in making crystal meth from the open shelves and have them placed behind pharmacy counters.
This announcement coincides with announcements made today by the governments of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. They will also be restricting the sale of single source pseudoephedrine products, the preferred ingredient in making methamphetamine, by making them available for sale only behind counters.
"Earlier this year, the ministers of Health and Justice from the three northern territories and the four western provinces met and agreed that reducing access to precursors of crystal methamphetamine would be a good first step," Jenkins said. These changes will occur over the next few weeks.
Health and Social Services, through the Society of Yukon Pharmacists, has asked that pharmacies voluntarily place single source precursors of crystal meth behind the counters. The Minister said all the pharmacists agreed readily to this approach.
"We are very encouraged by the support of the pharmacists for this proactive measure in addressing a serious health and social problem," Jenkins said. "It reflects our government's commitment to work with stakeholders on harm reduction strategies, as outlined in our Yukon Substance Abuse Action Plan."
The department is continuing to work on additional approaches to limiting single source precursors of crystal meth while at the same time maintaining reasonable public access to cold medications in general. Officials will also be speaking with retail outlets other than pharmacies that sell these products.
"Crystal meth is a highly addictive drug. Its use has serious health consequences and leads to increased crime and violence. Every Yukoner has a role to play in the fight against drugs," Jenkins said.
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