Meth Bill Would Restrict Cold Medicine Purchases

Another state legislature begins to control pseudephedrine - a chemical precursor to Methamphetamine.

When will the Congress finally take action?

Meth Bill Would Restrict Cold Medicine Purchases

POSTED: 4:07 pm CST February 11, 2005
UPDATED: 4:31 pm CST February 11, 2005

JACKSON, Miss. -- Police say the number of methamphetamine labs in Mississippi has more than tripled in the past year, and a new House bill could put an end to the problem.

House Bill 607 limits the amount of cold medicine that consumers can purchase because most of the medicines have the main ingredient used to make methamphetamine.

"It's going to be more difficult for the consumers to get cold medicine now, and I guess anything that would help this meth problem we need to do," said Andy Calvert, owner of Brent's Drug Store.

If the bill is signed into law, customers would only be able to buy two boxes of medicine containing pseudephidrine, and pharmacist will keep the medicine locked behind the counter.

Signs of a meth lab include a strong smell of ammonia, excess trash and unusual amounts of glass containers.

Anyone who suspects a lab is operating in their neighborhood should call police.