Pubdate: Thu, 09 Aug 2012
Source: Nisqually Valley News (WA)
Copyright: 2012 Yelm Online
Contact:  http://www.yelmonline.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5278

METH INGREDIENT TRACKING SYSTEM STOPS MORE THAN 13,300 SALES IN UNDER
A YEAR

A new statewide tracking system that monitors over-the-counter
ingredients used to make methamphetamine blocked more than 13,300
sales in the last nine months.

Three ingredients - pseudoephedrine, ephedrine and phenylpropanolamine
- - are used as directed to help millions of people treat colds and
allergies. A few people buy medications with these ingredients to make
the illegal and very dangerous drug commonly called "meth."

The Washington State Board of Pharmacy oversees the new system - a key
tool to stop meth production and sideline meth abuse. The National
Precursor Log Exchange was activated in October; Washington was among
the first states to create a statewide tracking system.

 From Oct. 15, 2011 through the end of July 2012, the system logged
1,023,929 purchases and blocked the sales of 13,391 meth ingredients -
the equivalent of 82 pounds (37,172 grams). The number of blocked
sales has grown monthly.

"Our state was once called 'the poster child for the meth epidemic,'
and we're now recognized as a success story," said Secretary of Health
Mary Selecky. "A decade ago, there were thousands of meth labs and
dumps in our state. We can thank community action and legislation,
including the new rules that created our tracking system, for turning
the tide."

The tracking system records the buyer's identification, such as a
driver's license, along with the type and amount of product. Real-time
information shows the cashier if the buyer has exceeded the allowed
quantity of medication. The system also flags drug purchases made in
another state. Information about buying medication over the legal
limit is instantly added to a database that's available to law
enforcement. Regular customers still have access to cold, flu, and
allergy products without a prescription.

All pharmacies and retail locations that sell these medications must
be certified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and enter
transaction data into the tracking system.

Washington law (RCW 69.43.110) requires pharmacies and other retailers
to keep these products where customers don't have access to them,
either behind the counter or in a locked case. The retailer must
record the name and address of the buyer with a description of the
product sold; customers sign a transaction record. Sales are
restricted to 3.6 grams per purchase, and no more than nine grams
during a 30-day period. The system then tracks each purchase, and
information is available to other pharmacies, retailers, and law
enforcement.
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MAP posted-by: Matt