IN OUR VIEW: TARGETING A KEY METH INGREDIENT

According to the Stillwater (Okla.) NewsPress, methamphetamine laboratories
have been on the decline during the first six months of this year as a
result of a state law restricting sales of common cold remedies containing
pseudoephedrine.

To that, we say "great!"

Getting rid of meth is a goal that society can applaud and support. It is an
addictive drug that poses dangers on several levels. The ingredients brewed
by nonchemists in garages, basements and even vans are potentially explosive
and flammable. Fumes can kill. The byproduct is toxic, requiring careful
handling by specially equipped law enforcement personnel.

Yet, chemicals from which meth is made are commonplace - antifreeze and
pseudoephedrine in cold medicines, to name two of the components.
Furthermore, the manufacturer needs no clue about chemistry or chemical
reactions, only a formula passed on by a friend or obtained off the
Internet.

Several years ago, Missouri cracked down by clamping controls over the sale
of over-the-counter products containing pseudoephedrine. Despite the belief
that the tougher restrictions would send brewers packing, Missouri still
ranks among the nation's leaders in meth labs.

Part of the problem is that some businesses may find the restrictions
expensive to enforce and may not follow through as much as possible. That is
only a surmise based on the continuing popularity of meth.

Oklahomans have discovered that their new law, which requires that the
purchaser of pseudoephedrine products sign for them, has reduced the number
of meth labs operating in the state. So far, says the NewsPress, the
decrease in the number of labs has saved the state $434,000 in cleanup
costs. We would add, too, that it is likely that the human cost of meth
addiction has been reduced, too. So far, so good.

Kansans reportedly are concerned that their state may be viewed as
friendlier territory by meth-making Oklahomans seeking access to products
containing the basic ingredient. They have good reason. When availability of
needed chemicals dries up, manufacturers will move to keep their illegal,
but lucrative, businesses going.

There is no simple solution to the meth problem. As long as people are
willing to pay for illegal drugs, other people will eagerly try to meet the
demand. States should work together to toughen laws and increase vigilance
against meth. The best solution is education. Using meth is like playing a
game of Russian roulette with three cylinders of a revolver loaded. The only
winners are the manufacturers and dealers who make money.