Source: San Diego Union Tribune (CA) Contact: http://www.uniontrib.com/ Pubdate: Wed, 12 Aug 1998 Author: Karen Kucher COUNTY LIMITS SALES OF COLD MEDICINE USED TO MAKE METH Sales of over-the-counter cold medications that contain a key ingredient used in making the illegal drug methamphetamine will be limited to small quantities in the unincorporated area under a new law adopted yesterday. The ordinance allows an individual to purchase no more than 100 tablets or three packages containing ephedrine or ephedrine derivatives in a 24-hour period. The measure is designed to prevent meth manufacturers from buying large quantities of cold medications and other ephedrine-based products -- including decongestants, antihistamines and dietary supplements -- to produce the drug. The city of San Diego approved a similar ordinance in June. The county's law is expected to go into effect in mid-October. County supervisors unanimously approved the measure after reviewing a report showing that methamphetamine use by juveniles and the number of meth-related deaths in the region rose in the last half of 1997, while lab seizures declined. According to the report, one out of five juveniles arrested in San Diego County during the last six months of 1997 tested positive for methamphetamine, a 5.5 percent increase over the previous six months. Drug-treatment admissions and hotline calls also were tracked in the report card. Findings were compared with statistics from 1995 and the first six months of 1997. "There are some troubling trends," said Dr. Robert. K. Ross, director of the county's Health and Human Services Agency. Ross outlined several strategies the county intends to pursue in its fight against methamphetamine, such as working closer with school districts and parents on drug-prevention and targeting specific communities with resources. "I think it is a little discouraging when you are seeing some of the numbers slipping the wrong direction," said Supervisor Ron Roberts. "The trends are not encouraging and hopefully we will figure some new strategies to see if we can drive these things back down." A meth hotline established in December 1996 has received 1,700 calls, with tips resulting in 56 arrests, two lab seizures and 12 convictions. People call the confidential hotline to report suspected methamphetamine users, as well as to offer tips on drug labs and drug dealers. The number is (800) 649-4494. "There is no quick fix for getting rid of methamphetamine in our community," said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who has led the county's campaign against meth. "It is going to be a long process. But we are making some progress." Sheriff's officials say they are seeing more methamphetamine production in neighboring jurisdictions such as Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Undersheriff Jack Drown said the restrictions on ephedrine sales should make it more difficult for people to set up meth labs, particularly if other cities pass similar restrictions. "The bottom line is if meth is harder to manufacture locally, it will be more expensive and less attractive to purchase," Drown said. - --- Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)