PROGRAM AIMS TO STOP METH PRODUCTION AT EARLIEST STAGE

Jackson County authorities initiated a program Tuesday to help stem
methamphetamine production in its earliest stage: when drug traffickers
shop for ingredients to make the drug.

The Jackson County Drug Task Force is working with merchants to educate
employees about the kinds of ingredients and over-the-counter drugs that
are used to produce methamphetamine. Those include matches, nail polish
remover and cold medicine containing pseudoephedrine.

Authorities hope employees will notify police when someone buys large
quantities or makes repeated purchases of those items.

"It's community awareness," task force spokeswoman Terri Klote said. "It
may be nothing, but call us and let us decide."

Additionally, some merchants have agreed to place placards next to crucial
methamphetamine ingredients, stating that store employees are monitoring
the items closely.

"It's to let people know that we're watching you," Klote said. "We're not
asking the store clerk to take things into their own hands. Contact security."

The task force is working with local law enforcement agencies, including
those in Independence, Raytown, Blue Springs and Grandview. The task force
is concentrating its efforts in eastern and southern Jackson County.

According to federal statistics, Missouri ranked first nationally in 2001
for the most methamphetamine labs found by authorities -- 2,130. Jackson
County ranked second in the state and nation at 107 labs, behind Jasper
County in southwest Missouri.

Klote said alert merchants already are having an impact on methamphetamine
labs. Authorities said a loss prevention officer at an Independence
Wal-Mart noticed a man buying iodine, coffee filters and matches -- all
precursors to producing methamphetamine.

He alerted the task force, which raided a Blue Springs methamphetamine lab
about 7 p.m. Monday in the 500 block of Northeast Third Street.

The task force is establishing a hot line so residents can leave tips
anonymously.