Check it Out: • 1 LB of METH = 5 LBS of   TOXIC WASTE • In 2004 alone, there were more   than 10,000 meth lab cleanups   at a cost of $18.6 million (Source: DEA, NIDA, NIH, USDHHS)

Other Drug Information: Alcohol Cocaine Ecstasy Fentanyl Hallucinogens Heroin Inhalants LSD Marijuana Prescription Drugs Steroids

The Many Faces of Meth: Before After

(Source: Multnomah County Sheriff's Office - Faces of Meth™)

Canada Hinders Meth Production

Health Canada hopes to curb the diversion of legal substances into illegal crystal methamphetamine labs with new regulations and more inspectors, the Winnipeg Free Press reported Dec. 13.

More inspectors means more checks on licensed companies to ensure that chemicals like ephedrine are not being rerouted to clandestine meth labs.

If inspections reveal irregular activity, Health Canada may revoke the company's license and refer the matter to the Canadian Border Services Agency or RCMP.

Six chemicals will also be added next month to Canada's Precursor Control Regulations to prevent the manufacturing of such drugs as crystal meth or gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), a "date rape" drug.

Critics say that criminal penalties are not harsh enough to deter illegal possession of the chemicals used to manufacture these drugs. The maximum penalty under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act is a $5,000 fine or three years in jail.