OKLAHOMA MAY LIMIT COLD-PILL SALES

OKLAHOMA CITY - Gov. Brad Henry called on lawmakers Wednesday to pass
within two weeks a bill banning over-the-counter sales of cold tablets
containing pseudoephedrine.

Pseudoephedrine - found in popular cold and allergy medicines such as
Sudafed - is a key ingredient for making illegal methamphetamine.

The bill under consideration would make such medicine a regulated
substance that can only be sold by pharmacists.

Consumers would have to show a photo identification and sign for the
drug and would be limited to buying and possessing nine grams, or
about 10 boxes.

Oklahoma would be the first state to impose such a restriction.

The bill faces final votes in the Senate and House before it can be
sent to the governor.

"This is a true opportunity for us to protect our law enforcement
officers, our children and our citizens from this dangerous and highly
addictive drug," Mr. Henry said at a news conference.