Pubdate: Mon, 21 May 2001 Source: Topeka Capital-Journal (KS) Copyright: 2001 The Topeka Capital-Journal Contact: http://cjonline.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/455 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) A CUT IN SUPPLY LINES The war on drugs isn't always fought on the streets. Sometimes it's done over the counter. Fact is, the ingredients for producing methamphetamines can be had at the drug store, grocery store or convenience store: One of the main ingredients can be ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, found in some leading cold and allergy medications such as Sudafed and Actifed. So, it's awfully difficult for law enforcement officers to nip meth labs in the bud, since ingredients for the highly addictive and destructive drug are legally available over the counter. Law enforcement needs help. As a result, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Kansas Department of Health and Environment have teamed up to launch the "Kansas Retailer Meth Watch Program." Under the program, retailers voluntarily agree to take steps to make it more difficult for meth makers to purchase or steal the components for the drug, which KBI director Larry Welch says is at epidemic levels in Kansas. Indeed, the statistics speak volumes: In 1994 there were four meth labs busted; last year, the number was 702. This year it's about two a day. The retailers are taking various steps to ward off meth makers, including moving the items behind the counter and questioning suspicious buyers. Supplies on the shelf also may be limited -- and displays of the coveted products may be placed in areas unfriendly to shoplifters. It's not going to prevent meth production in Kansas. But making it more difficult to buy the ingredients is nothing to sneeze at. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe