DRUG GROUP ENCOURAGES RESTRICTIONS

A national drug-law policy organization is encouraging all states to put in
place tough restrictions on pseudoephedrine sales to discourage domestic
meth production.

But the National Alliance for Model State Drug Laws has yet to advocate for
a single approach.

"We don't have enough hard evidence yet, and we feel strongly that people
need to tailor their approach to their state," said Sherry Green, executive
director of the alliance.

Green said consumers and businesses might be happier with compromises being
discussed at many state legislatures this year to limit sales of
pseudoephedrine while keeping them available to as many consumers as possible.

Some proposals could backfire in the long run.

In Iowa, Lil' Drug Store Products of Cedar Rapids is hoping state leaders
will pass a law allowing consumers to buy single or double doses of cold
and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine. The company is one of a
few businesses nationwide that repackage small doses of over-the-counter
medicines for sale at gas stations and convenience stores.

"Today, I feel pretty optimistic that (state leaders) are listening and
this might be a solution," company President Chris DeWolf said.

Green said meth labs could continue to proliferate if small doses of
pseudoephedrine remain widely available. In other states, products packaged
in a variety of sizes have been sold to meth-makers by the box load by
unscrupulous cashiers at gas stations and convenience stores for profit,
she said.

Oklahoma narcotics officials say small doses can be just as easily
converted to meth, and they remain a cost-effective alternative for meth-makers.