Tighter rules proposed on sale of over-the-counter drugs used to make methamphetamine

Michigan lawmakers are working on  bills that would more closely regulate the sale of over-the-counter drugs that can be used to make methamphetamine.

People who buy flu, cold and allergy medications that contain ephedrine or pseudophedrine already have to sign a pharmacy log.

Under the new law, they would have to swipe their driver’s license or state ID card at the pharmacy. An Internet-based, real-time database  would show when, where and how much of the over-the-counter drugs they bought.

State Rep. Amanda Price sponsored one of the measures:

“It’s been an issue in Michigan for several years, and we’re still seeing increases in it," Price says. "And it’s shifted from large meth cooking labs to smaller components, and smaller equipment. So we’re still seeing increases in meth usage and meth cooking.”

Methamphetamine is a highly addictive drug and byproducts of its production are toxic.

Price says the bills have support from pharmacies and law enforcement.