U.S. ATTORNEY: METH MAKERS CAN USE LIQUID MEDICINE

Liquid cold medicines, gel caps and some tablets not covered by West
Virginia's new anti-meth law can be used by traffickers to cook the
illegal drug after all, U.S. Attorney Kasey Warner cautioned Thursday.

A number of over-the-counter medications that contain the critical
component pseudoephedrine, while not as the single active ingredient,
are exempt from legislation Gov. Joe Manchin signed, he said.

Likely, such medicines weren't included on the restricted list since
past experience suggested they were unfit for making meth, the federal
prosecutor said.

"However, we have just learned from drug specialists that criminal use
of non-controlled liquid cold medicines and multi-ingredient tablets
is being detected in a more difficult, but not excessively
complicated, pseudoephedrine extraction-meth production process,"
Warner said.

Among those not limited by the new state law are severe cold formula
caplets, powders dissolved in hot liquids, cough syrups and other
water- and alcohol-based liquids, and soft gels containing the
critical element, he said.

"Attempts by individuals and groups to obtain large amounts of such
medications, while apparently legal, may now indicate the possibility
of illegal meth production to an astute, educated observer," Warner
said.

If retailers want to play "an effective part" in the war against meth,
Warner suggested, they might take it upon themselves to further limit
access to all cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine.

Manchin sought the measure in his State of the State address, and the
Legislature responded with a bill that limits the sale of certain cold
medicines to 9 grams, or three packages, within a 30-day period.
Anyone making such purchases must furnish a photo ID.

The bill also imposes limits on anhydrous ammonia and iodine, and adds
a felony penalty for exposing police, firefighters and other first
responders to fire and explosions while busting meth labs.

Manchin's communications director, Lara Ramsburg, voiced confidence in
the new law but emphasized the administration will monitor the meth
situation, including federal agencies in the oversight.

"As things change, and as people may adapt to the current legislation
and law, we will obviously address those situations as they arise,"
she said.

"But we feel very confident in the bill which was passed. We think
it's definitely a very big step in the right direction and are anxious
for it to take effect."

The new law becomes effective 90 days from passage, putting it on the
books officially in early July.

Warner applauded the new state law, saying it is expected to "greatly
reduce" the output of meth in home-style labs.

"And the West Virginia Legislature is to be commended for passing this
model legislation," the U.S. attorney said.

"However, we must remain vigilant for the next step by criminals - use
of unrestricted medications and an expected influx of meth produced in
both surrounding states and by Mexican drug trafficking organizations
to meet lingering demand as locally produced supplies decrease."