COUNTY LIMITS SALES OF COLD MEDICINE USED TO MAKE METH

Sales of over-the-counter cold medications that contain a key ingredient
used in making the illegal drug methamphetamine will be limited to small
quantities in the unincorporated area under a new law adopted yesterday.

The ordinance allows an individual to purchase no more than 100 tablets or
three packages containing ephedrine or ephedrine derivatives in a 24-hour
period.

The measure is designed to prevent meth manufacturers from buying large
quantities of cold medications and other ephedrine-based products --
including decongestants, antihistamines and dietary supplements -- to
produce the drug.

The city of San Diego approved a similar ordinance in June. The county's
law is expected to go into effect in mid-October.

County supervisors unanimously approved the measure after reviewing a
report showing that methamphetamine use by juveniles and the number of
meth-related deaths in the region rose in the last half of 1997, while lab
seizures declined.

According to the report, one out of five juveniles arrested in San Diego
County during the last six months of 1997 tested positive for
methamphetamine, a 5.5 percent increase over the previous six months.

Drug-treatment admissions and hotline calls also were tracked in the report
card. Findings were compared with statistics from 1995 and the first six
months of 1997.

"There are some troubling trends," said Dr. Robert. K. Ross, director of
the county's Health and Human Services Agency.

Ross outlined several strategies the county intends to pursue in its fight
against methamphetamine, such as working closer with school districts and
parents on drug-prevention and targeting specific communities with
resources.

"I think it is a little discouraging when you are seeing some of the
numbers slipping the wrong direction," said Supervisor Ron Roberts. "The
trends are not encouraging and hopefully we will figure some new strategies
to see if we can drive these things back down."

A meth hotline established in December 1996 has received 1,700 calls, with
tips resulting in 56 arrests, two lab seizures and 12 convictions.

People call the confidential hotline to report suspected methamphetamine
users, as well as to offer tips on drug labs and drug dealers. The number
is (800) 649-4494.

"There is no quick fix for getting rid of methamphetamine in our
community," said Supervisor Dianne Jacob, who has led the county's campaign
against meth. "It is going to be a long process. But we are making some
progress."

Sheriff's officials say they are seeing more methamphetamine production in
neighboring jurisdictions such as Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Undersheriff Jack Drown said the restrictions on ephedrine sales should
make it more difficult for people to set up meth labs, particularly if
other cities pass similar restrictions.

"The bottom line is if meth is harder to manufacture locally, it will be
more expensive and less attractive to purchase," Drown said.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)