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.
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MAP posted-by: Josh Sutcliffe