Pubdate: Fri, 06 May 2005
Source: Charleston Daily Mail (WV)
Copyright: 2005 Charleston Daily Mail
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/76
Author: Associated Press

OMISSIONS FOUND IN METH LAW

BECKLEY -- Some over-the-counter medicines containing an ingredient used to
make methamphetamine are not covered by a new state law that aims to crack
down on makeshift meth labs, U.S. Attorney Kasey Warner says.

The law, which takes effect July 8, bans the purchase of more than three
packages per month of any over-the-counter medicine containing ephedrine,
pseudoephedrine or phenylpropanolamine as its single active ingredient.

Liquid cold medicines, gel caps, severe cold-formula caplets, powders
dissolved in hot liquids and cough syrups contain pseudoephedrine, although
not as the single active ingredient, Warner said Thursday.

The medicines weren't included on the restricted list because past
experience suggests they were unfit for making meth, but drug specialists
indicate they are being detected in a more difficult meth-making process,
Warner said.

He called on retailers to further limit access to all cold medicines that
contain pseudoephedrine.

"We must remain vigilant for the next step by criminals -- use of
unrestricted medications and an expected influx of meth produced in both
surrounding states and by Mexican drug trafficking organizations to meet
lingering demand as locally produced supplies decrease," Warner said.

Lara Ramsburg, Gov. Joe Manchin's spokeswoman, said the Manchin
administration will monitor the meth situation.

"As things change, and as people may adapt to the current legislation and
law, we will obviously address those situations as they arise," she said.
"But we feel very confident in the bill which was passed."

The meth law also makes it a crime to possess such chemicals as iodine at a
concentration greater than 1.5 percent and anhydrous ammonia with the intent
to make meth.

Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that can be smoked, snorted,
injected or taken orally.

There were 222 meth lab drug busts in West Virginia in 2004 and more than
140 already this year. 
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