ALLERGY MEDICINE RESTRICTIONS ARE NECESSARY

Sheriffs Say Methamphetamine Labs Are One Of Top Concerns

Increased control of the sale of over-the-counter allergy medicines is
regrettable, but may be the only way to curb the production of the
illegal and extremely dangerous street drugs that are flooding
suburban, rural and urban neighborhoods across southeast Michigan.

While consumers will suffer some inconvenience by having to ask a
clerk or pharmacist for a package of allergy medicine or sign a
logbook and show identification before purchase, that's an
insignificant obstacle when compared with the damage decongestants are
doing when they're cooked up with other commonly available chemicals
to make methamphetamine.

Gov. Jennifer Granholm is expected to sign two bills before she leaves
for Japan on Friday that will place restrictions on the sale of common
cold medicines that contain ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Similar
laws in Oklahoma and Oregon have drastically reduced the number of
meth labs in those states and Michigan should expect comparable results.

The laws will force retailers to move allergy medicines such as
Sudafed and Claritin-D behind the counter or into locked cabinets, or
place them within 20 feet of an attendant who constantly monitors the
drugs, among other placement and security provisions. Consumers will
need picture identification, must be 18 or older and will only be able
to buy two packages, or 48 tablets or capsules, at a time.

People who buy these medicines to alleviate seasonal allergies and
colds still will be able to do so, but meth makers who rely on bulk
quantities will have to work harder to get their ingredients. Last
year, 209 meth labs were closed in Michigan and police are on track to
close 300 labs this year.

Clandestine meth labs are particularly prevalent in rural areas where
byproduct smells are less noticeable and farming supplies that are
also used to make the drug are less conspicuous.

Disrupting the supply of meth-producing chemicals won't completely
eliminate the use of the drug, but it will make production more
difficult in Michigan. That's a good first step and one that deserves
widespread support.