Pubdate: Fri, 07 Jan 2005
Source: Wichita Eagle (KS)
Copyright: 2005 The Wichita Eagle
Contact: http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/editorial/4664538.htm
Website: http://www.wichitaeagle.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/680
Author: Ron Sylvester

WICHITANS PUSH LAW TO RESTRICT COLD PILLS

Increased meth-making activity in the state stirs Kansas law enforcers to 
lobby for a law like Oklahoma's, which makes certain cold tablets harder to 
buy.

Since spring, police and prosecutors around Wichita have seen more drug 
traffickers coming across the border. But these traffickers don't come from 
Mexico, which has traditionally sent illicit drugs into Kansas.

They come from Oklahoma.

That's because last year Oklahoma passed a law making it more difficult to 
buy the over-the-counter cold medicines some use to manufacture highly 
addictive and potentially lethal methamphetamine.

Now, law enforcers want Kansas lawmakers to pass the same kind of 
restrictions, making the medicines literally over-the-counter.

It would require pharmacies to keep tablets containing ephedrine and 
psuedoephedrine behind the counter. The popular cold medicines are among 
the key ingredients in manufacturing meth.

Senate Majority Leader Derek Schmidt, R-Independence, outlined the bill in 
Topeka, as Wichita's top law enforcement officials lauded the effort 
Thursday during separate news conferences.

The law would also limit consumers to purchasing 9 grams of the medicines, 
or three 24-count packages, every 30 days.

"That's more than a serious allergy sufferer would need," said Sedgwick 
County District Attorney Nola Foulston.

It would also require consumers to sign for the medicines and provide photo 
identification. But unlike Oklahoma, the purchases would not be tracked 
through a central statewide database.

Foulston said the law has allowed Oklahoma to cut down on the number of 
meth labs in that state. The labs pose environmental and safety hazards 
because of the volatile chemical components required to make the drug.

"It's an explosive problem that's a detriment to our community," Foulston said.

Police have noticed that the Oklahoma law has sent those wanting ephedrine 
in higher quantities to pharmacies in Wichita. From April through December, 
Wichita Police Chief Norman Williams said his officers have arrested 59 
people from Oklahoma on meth-related charges here.

"Prior to the law going into effect in April, we had about 10 people who we 
could connect to Oklahoma," Williams said.

John Green, deputy chief of the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Department, added 
that the county during the past year has seen triple the thefts of 
anhydrous ammonia -- another key meth-making ingredient. Farmers use the 
ammonia as fertilizer.

Foulston said she doesn't expect the law to adversely effect pharmacy sales 
or consumer efforts to legitimately purchase the medicines.

"The people who use these illegally don't buy them, anyway. They shoplift 
them," Foulston said.

The new law wouldn't affect gel capsules, which can't be used in the 
production of meth.

Lawmakers announcing the proposal in Topeka said hearings would commence 
shortly after the session begins next week.

Senate Vice President John Vratil, R-Leawood, predicted quick passage 
through the Senate.

Contributing: Associated Press
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