RETAILERS BEING EDUCATED ABOUT INGREDIENTS FOR METHAMPHETAMINE PRODUCTION

ABINGDON -- The Washington County Sheriff's Office has embarked on a program
to educate retailers about the common medicines and chemicals used to make
the illegal stimulant methamphetamine in the hope of discouraging the drug's
makers. "We've purchased some posters that basically explain some of the
household, over-the-counter-type products that can be used to make the
drug," Sheriff Fred Newman said.

"We're trying to make our local retail stores and their employees more aware
of these items."

Meth's ingredients include acetone, lighter fluid, matches, iodine and cold
pills.

Because of the ease of making the drug at home with items available at most
hardware stores and pharmacies, law enforcement officials throughout
Southwest Virginia have seen meth labs spring up like weeds, police said.

"We've actually had situations where a business or a business owner has
contacted me and said, 'Why would a person purchase 20 packets of cold
medication or 25 bottles of iodine?'" the sheriff said.

"Obviously, this would be a red flag as to their possible use of those
products."

Purchases made in large quantities could help direct police toward illegal
drug operations.

He said if a purchase looks suspicious, a retailer willing to help police
might ask that customer for identification.

"I know there are several businesses already doing that," he said. "A lot of
people will turn around and walk out the door without making a purchase.
That clearly goes to show what their intentions might have been."

The sheriff cautioned retailers to watch out for large or frequent purchases
of common cold pills containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as well as
alcohol, toluene, engine starter, drain cleaner, coffee filters, iodine,
salt, lithium batteries, propane tanks, lye, matches, heavy glassware and
muriatic acid.

The manufacture of methamphetamine produces toxic and explosive vapors, and
the drug and byproducts made during the process also are highly toxic.

"This is not only a problem in our county but in our region," the sheriff
said. "It's a drug that is causing law enforcement authorities great
concern."