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.

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