LIMITING METH-MAKING PRODUCTS ALWAYS A GOOD THING'

FARMINGTON --A As new statewide laws limit the sales of
pseudoephedrine and increase penalties for methamphetamine
trafficking, local officials tout the initiative as a step in the
right direction.

Ken Christesen, director of Region II Narcotics Task Force, said his
agency has seen positive results from similar laws.

"We've seen a steady decrease in (meth) labs over the past several
years," he said. "That's due to tougher laws and people watching
ephedrine, and the amount of it sold."

Although much of the substance is produced in Mexican superlabs near
the U.S. border, Christesen said there are always users who produce
for personal use. Those who manufacture for personal use often sell
small amounts to offset the cost of their own supply.

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are two of the key ingredients, he said.

"Reducing products used in meth production is always a good thing,"
Christesen said. "Anything positive (the Legislature) can do to
reduce the number of labs is a good thing for the community."

Some local pharmacists said they think the decision is a step in the
right direction.

Don Keith, a pharmacist at Farmington Drug, said he believes most
pharmacists are already keeping an eye on the problem.

"I think any drug store is watching (pseudoephedrine sales) pretty
carefully," he said.

Keith added he does not believe most methamphetamine is produced locally.

"Most of it's being produced in Mexico," he said, noting he doesn't
believe putting the substance behind the counter will have much
affect on local production.

"The amount it would take for (meth users) to (make meth) would
require them to hit every store in town," Keith said.