METH TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS RESTRICTING COLD MEDICINES

CLEVELAND, Tenn. - Tennessee's methamphetamine epidemic is getting
worse, and the state should restrict cold medicines used to make the
addictive drug, a prosecutor told the governor's meth task force
Monday. State lawmakers, at the behest of retailers, have refused to
follow states such as Missouri that limit sales or require signatures
on purchases of Sudafed and other products with ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paul Laymon of Chattanooga told the task force
that the problem is "bleak and getting worse by the day."

Laymon said meth's increasing popularity stems largely from the "easy
availability" of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, a recipe as easy as
making cornbread and a cooking process simple enough for children to
learn.

After lawmakers failed to reach a consensus on meth legislation in
March, Gov. Phil Bredesen appointed the panel. He asked the 20-member
task force to make recommendations by Sept. 1.

Laymon said the drug is a national problem. In addition to homegrown
meth labs in Tennessee, there are "also large quantities of Mexican
meth flooding East Tennessee."

While panel member Lillie Ann Sells, a Cookeville judge, said
restrictions on ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are being discussed,
Rep. Charles Curtiss, D-Sparta, said Bredesen's backing would be essential.

Curtiss said the only meth bills likely to be approved this year would
increase penalties and put a tax on illegal drugs. He said retailers
have opposed a registry for purchasing products with ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine.

Curtiss said the federal government should designate ephedrine and
pseudoephedrine as controlled substances to keep it from being
purchased by meth cookers.