The county is getting a software program, MethShield, that will track sales of cold medicines with pseudoephedrine at some local stores, Mike Mansur reports. (Not all retailers are agreeing to participate.) The idea is that police can see who's buying too much cold medicine -- one of the tipoffs that someone is producing meth. The county is getting a free trial, as a way to show that MethShield works.
In Washington, Mo., they've tried a completely different tactic: Citizens have to get doctor's prescriptions before they can buy what used to be over-the-counter meds. It's more of a pain for the public, but officials in Oregon say it's helped stop meth production there.
It's too early to say which method most communities are going to adopt. The Missouri AG says he supports the prescription-only laws and is gathering support from the state's prosecutors. Keep in mind -- the software programs will only work if the stores make reports and if law-enforcement has the manpower to follow up. Unfortunately, the prescription-only rule might be more of a hassle for you and me, but it might do more good and require less official effort.
I'm not willing to set aside my rights for this.
Posted by: Tom K | Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 10:15 AM
I really hate the idea, that I would have to pay a $30 co-pay to get a box of clariton that runs $8. Each frickin time I need it. Thats total horse crappy.
If meth-heads want to get all messed up and loose their teeth, so be it. Have the state start selling it, and monitor the ones that buy it.. but dont monitor me for my sneezing fits in the fall.
STUPID.
Posted by: Unbelievable | Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:08 AM
It'll never work.
Posted by: Mike Duncan, Leavenworth | Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:15 AM
It'll work because everyone is too apathetic to stop it. The cops will get a "grant" (federal tax money) to support some cockeyed program, and you'll find yourself fingerprinted everytime you want Claritin.
And in the meantime, the Mexican drug cartels will continue importing massive amounts of meth from Mexico.
Posted by: k | Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 11:56 AM
stupid.....come to kansas get pseudo fed
Posted by: clive | Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 02:00 PM
They will probably end up with the DB being about as accurate as this one.
http://www.auditor.mo.gov/news/20071018csd.htm
Posted by: NoMoreMrNiceGuy | Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 04:53 PM
I take a lot of ephedrine, and I don't make meth. I've never used meth. Won't ever use meth.
I used to be able to buy hundreds of these at 7/11 for $5. I've been taking ephedrine since the mid-80s.
Now I wake up and suddenly I'm a criminal? Screw this. Not everyone that buys lots of ephedrine is making meth.
Posted by: Aaron | Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 12:22 PM