Pubdate: Thu, 22 Jan 2004 Source: Oklahoman, The (OK) Copyright: 2004 The Oklahoma Publishing Co. Contact: http://www.oklahoman.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/318 Author: Susan Parrott and Todd Moschella Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/pseudoephedrine SALES CURBS SOUGHT ON METH INGREDIENT Some state lawmakers want to ban sales of pseudoephedrine-containing cold medicines from stores other than pharmacies. A House bill filed this week aims to curb methamphetamine production by limiting sales of over-the-counter pseudoephedrine pills to licensed pharmacies and requiring buyers to provide a signature and photo ID. The state ultimately could track sales by purchaser. Pseudoephedrine in large quantities is a key ingredient in meth. The bill would limit sales to 9 grams each month, the equivalent of 12 boxes of 24 pills, said bill author Rep. John Nance. Gel capsules and liquid forms of pseudoephedrine, which are not easily turned into methamphetamine, would not be regulated and could still be sold in grocery and convenience stores. Nance, R-Bethany, said the legislation would deter meth-making while keeping the product available to the general public. "We are not going to deny people the right to get a decongestant," he said. He said Oklahoma would be the first state to enact such restrictions, although similar legislation is proposed in Iowa. The Oklahoma bill will be sponsored in the Senate by Democrat Dick Wilkerson of Atwood. It is likely to be opposed by trade groups and drugmakers, lawmakers said. And people living in rural areas without access to nearby pharmacies may be inconvenienced. "It would be such a hassle," said Carol Ayers before she entered a local Walgreens to buy a decongestant. The convenience of buying such medicines shouldn't be affected by those who abuse it, she said. Mike Thornbrugh, a spokesman for Tulsa-based QuikTrip, said his company wasn't consulted about their own internal measures to curb the sale of pseudoephedrine, which include careful inventory checks and purchase restrictions. "We're disappointed the state Legislature didn't come to responsible retailers like QuikTrip to see how we handle the situation -- they just want to ban it," he said. But law enforcement is desperate to curb production of meth, a highly addictive drug that can cause permanent schizophrenia, rot teeth and deteriorate internal organs. Other meth ingredients include iodine, anhydrous ammonia and battery acid. "In law enforcement, our tongues are hanging out -- we're tired, and we're at wit's end," said Scott Rowland, general counsel for the Oklahoma State Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control. Lawmakers noted the shooting death last month of Oklahoma Highway Patrol trooper Nikky Green. Investigators say the suspect arrested in his death was a meth addict operating a lab out of his car when Green approached. "We owe it to his legacy to try and make meth hard to produce in Oklahoma," said Rep. Don Armes, R-Faxon. The bill also would: Deny bond for defendants arrested for meth crimes if prosecutors prove they are addicts. Make the sale of "clean urine" a misdemeanor carrying a $500 penalty. Require locks for storage and transportation tanks holding anhydrous ammonia. State legislation that went into effect in November requires distributors of pseudoephedrine to register with the state narcotics bureau. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin