2/8/2010 1:44:00 AM Meth production, use back on the rise again
In a turn-around of a trend that Montgomery County has enjoyed for the past few years, it appears that methamphetamine production and use is on the rise. There had been a decrease in activity around the illegal drug, more commonly known as meth, following extensive public education campaigns and changes in laws impacting some of its ingredients over four years ago.
The Meth Protection Act, SEA 444, created strong restrictions on the sale of many products used to produce or "cook" meth. In July 2005, the law went into place regarding many commonly used cold/allergy products. The new law required that all medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine be located in direct line of sight of the pharmacy counter with constant video monitoring, in a locked cabinet, or behind a counter. In addition, sales of these medications are limited to those 18 or older and require purchasers to show a photo ID and sign a log-book, much like prescription drugs. Another safeguard of the new law is that no person may purchase more than 100 tablets of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine products per week.
According to Crawfordsville Police Assistant Chief Mike Norman, meth cooks and users have found a way around some of these restrictions and have been able to purchase large amounts of the ephedrine. He stated that police reviews of the logs show patterns of who is violating the law - sometimes by going to multiple stores to make purchases.
Currently, the Indiana House of Representatives is considering new legislation that has already passed in the Senate that would attempt to further restrict the cold medicine ingredients used to manufacture meth. The law would require stores selling medication with ephedrine and pseudoephedine to clearly inform customers of the purchasing limits and it reduces the amount of the substance a consumer can purchase at a single time and in a 30-day period.
Another component of the proposed legislation would require vendors to enter sales information into an electronic system for statewide tracking purchases. This would be a similar process as the INSPECT system which tracks all prescription drug requests and refills. The INSPECT system is administered by the Indiana State Police and all pharmacies are required to input specific information. INSPECT can be accessed by registered medical professionals and law enforcement representatives.
Norman said having an electronic tracking system would improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to monitor ephedrine purchases as well as network with other departments on investigations.
Meth is a man-made substance using ingredients such as acetone, drain cleaner, battery acid, ether, anhydrous ammonia and ephedrine or pseudoephedrine (found in cold medicines). These items, known as precursors, are highly combustible and pose a risk for fire and explosion during the manufacturing process.
Norman encourages any Montgomery County resident who is suspicious of activity that may be related to meth production or use call law enforcement. He specifically cited trash products such as bottles, tubes, coolers, or tanks as well as strong chemical smells as possible indicators of meth activity.
Residents inside the Crawfordsville City limits can report anonymous drug information to 364-5164, ext. 6 or at www.crawfordsvillepolice.com. Outside city limits, residents should contact the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department at 362-3740, ext. 333 for any drug related tips.
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