At Monday night's meeting, council passed two resolutions endorsing MethWatch and the RCMP's ChemWatch program.

The decision came after presentations on both programs. Donnie Edwards, vice-president of the Ontario Pharmacists Association and Gerry Harrington, director of public and professional affairs for NDMAC - an association representing the self-care health product industry - outlined the benefits of the MethWatch program.

MethWatch, which was launched over the last few weeks in Perth County, teaches pharmacists and staff to spot suspicious purchases of medicines contained pseudoephedrine, a chemical used in the production of meth.

Harrington said most meth is produced in "super labs" run by organized crime, but noted addict-based home labs have become an increasing problem in Perth County.

Cpl. Brett Hill of the RCMP said diversion of chemicals used in drug production is a global problem and warned small lab operations often become involved with organized crime.

He said the RCMP's mission is to disrupt and dismantle criminal organizations producing such drugs.

He suggested pharmacies willingly put medications containing chemicals used in the production of meth behind the counter.

"Labs pose a serious threat to the public, police, firefighters and ambulance staff," said Hill.

Stratford is the first city in Ontario to endorse the programs.

Mayor Dan Mathieson said Monte Kwinter, minister of community safety and correctional service, may visit the city on Monday to officially launch the programs. Later that day, he expected the first formal training session for area pharmacy staff to be held.

As well, a public meeting on methamphetamine was to have taken place on Wednesday night.