Mo. Restricts Cold Medicine to Curb Meth Production June 26, 2003
News Summary
In an effort to curb methamphetamine production, Missouri lawmakers approved restrictions on the retail display and sale of certain over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines, the Southeast Missourian reported June 24.The bill, which was signed into law, addresses medications containing pseudoephedrine, a decongestant that is also the main ingredient in the illegal stimulant methamphetamine.
The retail-display law requires medicines containing pseudoephedrine as the sole active ingredient to be stored behind a counter or within 10 feet of a cashier, or include electronic anti-theft devices.
In addition, customers can only purchase two packages of medicine with pseudoephedrine as the sole active ingredient at one time. The limit is three packages for products with pseudoephedrine and other active ingredients.
Another bill signed into law makes it a Class A felony to manufacture drugs in a home where children are present or within one-half mile of a school. The felony carries a life prison sentence.
"Hopefully, the signing and enactment of this law will give law enforcement the resources and tools in the fight against the scourge of methamphetamine," said Rep. Rob Mayer (R-Dexter), one of the sponsors of the bills.
Missouri is one of the main areas in the country for methamphetamine production. Both laws are considered to be among the strictest in the nation.
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