Pubdate: Mon, 04 Jul 2005
Source: Mobile Register (AL)
1120468721289981.xml&coll=3
Copyright: 2005 Mobile Register
Contact:  http://www.al.com/mobileregister/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/269
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

ANOTHER WAY TO FIGHT METH

Stopping the supply of illegal methamphetamine in Alabama will 
require the combined efforts of state law enforcement, retailers, 
pharmacists and the federal government.

The distribution of meth has become one of Alabama's most serious 
drug problems. Use of the illegal drug has led to thousands of wrecked lives.

Legislators did right to pass a law in May that regulates the sale of 
popular over-the-counter medicines that contain the main ingredients 
in meth ? pseudoephedrine and ephedrine.

In Mobile and Baldwin counties alone, a week rarely passes without 
law officers busting an illegal meth lab and arresting its operators.

The law took effect Friday, but it seems to have caught the Alabama 
Beverage Control off guard. So far, the agency's response has been 
wholly inadequate.

The ABC had no enforcement plan in place, leaving store owners 
confused about the law's requirements.

The new state law requires retailers to check the ID's of buyers of 
products such as the popular decongestant Sudafed.

Buyers must be 18 or older, and they must sign a register.

Moreover, no one can purchase more than two packages or 6 grams of 
drugs at a time.

In addition, stores can put the over-the-counter medications behind 
the counter or in a locked cabinet, or stop selling it.

Alabama's congressional delegation can help by leading Congress to 
pressure Mexico, which has become a leading supplier of 
methamphetamine to U.S. users. The Oregonian newspaper of Portland, 
Ore., revealed disquieting evidence last week about Mexico's role in 
supplying U.S. addicts with meth.

The Mexican government needs to do much more to limit imports of 
pseudoephedrine by operators of illegal meth labs.

As for Alabama's state legislators, they can contribute by revisiting 
a bill that would create criminal penalties for exposing children to 
the manufacture of meth.

In the meantime, the ABC can step up its enforcement efforts, and 
retailers can become enthusiastic about abiding the law. While 
fighting meth requires national and international efforts, a state 
assault against the drug's production in Alabama can begin now.
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MAP posted-by: Beth