Pubdate: Wed, 25 May 2005
Source: Daily Sentinel, The (Scottsboro, AL)
Copyright: 2005 The Daily Sentinel
Contact:  http://www.thedailysentinel.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1681
Author: Mazie Aldrich

GOVERNOR SIGNS METH BILL INTO LAW

Want cold tablets?

Effective, July 1, you might prefer the liquid or gelcaps if you seek
ephedrine or pseudoephedrine based products.

Governor Bob Riley signed the recently passed meth bill into law Tuesday
morning.

The new law requires all non-prescription cold tablets containing ephedrine
or pseudoephedrine to be placed behind the counter, in a locked case, or
kept under video surveillance. Purchases would also be limited to two
packages or six grams at a time.

Purchasers will have to sign for the purchase and show photo identification
or two other forms of identification.

Gel and liquid forms of pseudoephedrine will still be available anywhere
over-the-counter medicines are sold.

Ephedrine or pseudoephedrine is the only ingredient required to make
methamphetamine, a man made stimulant that has run rampant throughout the
country. Only the tablet form can be used to make meth after it is broken
down in clandestine labs.

A law somewhat like Alabama's was passed last year in Oklahoma. The amount
of meth labs dropped drastically.

Recently, Kentucky, Georgia and Tennessee and also passed meth legislation.

The local legislation was introduced in the state Senate by Sen. Lowell
Barron (D-Fyffe) and in the House by Rep. Representative Frank McDaniel of
Albertville. 
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