Flu remedies in 'crystal meth' fear
Updated on 25 April 2007
Ministers are considering making some over-the-counter flu remedies prescription-only amid mounting police concern that decongestants in them are being used in the illegal manufacture of "crystal meth".
Health Minister Caroline Flint said police were increasingly anxious that pseudoephedrine and ephedrine can be extracted "relatively easily" and used to make methylamphetamine.
She warned of "very serious" consequences if methylamphetamine - known as crystal meth or "ice" - secured a hold in the UK.
And she added that "most" of the conditions needed for it to do so were already in place.
Methylamphetamine was reclassified by the Home Office last January as a Class A drug.
A highly-addictive stimulant which affects the central nervous system, it can cause serious physical and psychological harm.
When smoked in its crystalline form it produces effects similar to, but longer-lasting than, "crack cocaine".
Evidence suggests chronic use can lead to psychosis, including paranoia and violent behaviour.
Ms Flint explained in a Commons written answer on Tuesday night: "Although the prevalence of misuse of methylamphetamine is believed to be currently low in the UK, the Association of Chief Police Officers are receiving increasing levels of intelligence about the prevalence of methylamphetamine.
"If methylamphetamine did secure a hold in the UK, the consequences would undoubtedly be very serious."
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