For Immediate Release:

Thurs, March 3, 2005                                   

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Rep. Dan Boren introduced legislation today aimed at turning the Oklahoma methamphetamine law into a federal law that would apply to other  states.  For local law enforcement, Boren’s bill gets to the heart of Oklahoma’s ongoing meth problem – the interstate importation of pseudoephedrine from adjacent states.     

 

Adapted from the Oklahoma law, Boren’s legislation will move medicine containing pseudoephedrine, an essential ingredient for making meth, behind the pharmacy counter.  Because pseudoephedrine is found in many common over-the-counter cold and sinus medicines, meth cooks have been able to purchase it in large quantities or even steal it.   

 

HB 2176, the anti-meth law passed in Oklahoma, in some instances brought an 80 percent reduction in lab busts.  Now, more than 25 other states are considering similar legislation, but law enforcement contends that a national law is needed to eradicate meth.

 

Under the proposed restriction, pseudoephedrine could be sold only by a pharmacist or pharmacy technician.  Consumers would be required to present a photo I.D. and sign for the medicine upon purchase.  “A small burden for consumers, when you consider the progress we have made in fighting this deadly drug here in Oklahoma,” Boren said.

 

“Meth dealers aren’t kingpins.  They are mom and pop cookers who can make a batch in hours with cold pills and ingredients available on a family farm or the local convenience store.  The answer is simple: stop the bulk availability of ephedrine-based cold pills and you stunt the ability to manufacture large quantities of meth,” said Boren.  

 

Boren says local law enforcement agree that meth is the worst threat they have faced in their public careers.  “This comes from some very seasoned, experienced officers who have seen a lot of drug trends come and go,” Boren said. 

 

Ottawa County Sheriff Dennis King says that he has seen a 75 percent drop in lab seizures in his county since the Oklahoma law passed, but meth cooks continue to import ingredients from Arkansas and Kansas. 

 

“Its one of the worst drugs we’ve ever faced.  The meth epidemic took Ottawa County by storm,” said King.  “To get this drug under control, it's going to take a national effort to stop it,” King explained. 

In the wake of HB 2176, much of Oklahoma’s ongoing meth activity has been pushed toward its edges where cooks can exploit less effective laws in surrounding states. 

Sequoyah County Sheriff Johnny Philpot believes the law is working, but says border counties like Sequoyah are not feeling the full effect of the Oklahoma law.  Sequoyah County borders populous Fort Smith, AR – where meth cooks can visit retail stores and purchase meth ingredients.   

“We are on the front lines here in Sequoyah County,” said Phipot.  “The majority of our meth lab busts are turning up sales receipts from Fort Smith and Van Buren,” - where meth cooks are hopping state lines to skirt Oklahoma’s anti-meth laws.      

 

“For Oklahoma's anti-meth effort to succeed fully, bordering states must also control pseudoephedrine.  Frankly, we would benefit more from a national law,” said Philpot.  

 

Boren says that, if passed, his legislation will give Oklahoma law enforcement a leg up in the meth war.  “Law enforcement spoke up and we have listened,” the lawmaker stated.  Boren’s bill, The Methamphetamine Reduction Act, was introduced in the House of Representatives where it awaits committee action. 

 

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