The County Action Committee is advocating for a new sales tactic that would prevent individuals who produce meth from obtaining the critical ingredient for its production. The group presented their strategy to the Indiana Substance Abuse and Child Safety Task Force, which Head chairs.
The new approach to curbing meth production involves keeping pseudoephedrine products, which are the key ingredient to making meth, behind the counter. Decongestants like Nexafed or Zyphrex D, which work like pseudoephedrine products but also significantly disrupt the meth-making process, would be available for purchase off the shelf. Consumers would still be able to purchase pseudoephedrine products like Sudafed but would need to consult with and get approval from a pharmacist before they could purchase those products.
“This approach is a common-sense solution,” Head said. “Honest Hoosiers would still be able to purchase the medicine they need, whether it be off the shelf or behind the counter, and pharmacists would have an active role in identifying individuals who may have a part in making meth and prevent these purchases altogether.”
Retailers in Fulton County, which has the third-highest number of meth lab seizures in rural counties in Indiana, have agreed to put this new strategy in place and have already seen a significant drop in pseudoephedrine sales.
“Indiana leads the nation in meth lab seizures,” Head said. “I am proud of the Citizens Action Committee for taking on this important issue and fighting back against the meth problem in Fulton County. Through their dedication, they have created a model that can be used across the state.”
Head said that he intends to introduce a bill in the next legislative session that would make this approach a new law in Indiana.
The new approach to curbing meth production involves keeping pseudoephedrine products, which are the key ingredient to making meth, behind the counter. Decongestants like Nexafed or Zyphrex D, which work like pseudoephedrine products but also significantly disrupt the meth-making process, would be available for purchase off the shelf. Consumers would still be able to purchase pseudoephedrine products like Sudafed but would need to consult with and get approval from a pharmacist before they could purchase those products.
“This approach is a common-sense solution,” Head said. “Honest Hoosiers would still be able to purchase the medicine they need, whether it be off the shelf or behind the counter, and pharmacists would have an active role in identifying individuals who may have a part in making meth and prevent these purchases altogether.”
Retailers in Fulton County, which has the third-highest number of meth lab seizures in rural counties in Indiana, have agreed to put this new strategy in place and have already seen a significant drop in pseudoephedrine sales.
“Indiana leads the nation in meth lab seizures,” Head said. “I am proud of the Citizens Action Committee for taking on this important issue and fighting back against the meth problem in Fulton County. Through their dedication, they have created a model that can be used across the state.”
Head said that he intends to introduce a bill in the next legislative session that would make this approach a new law in Indiana.
This tactic has already been put into law in Arkansas, where the state has seen a significant drop in the number of meth labs.
The Indiana Substance Abuse Task Force is comprised of legislators, state officials, and professionals who work in fields related to substance abuse and child safety. The Task Force works in conjunction with other entities across Indiana to identify best practices and make recommendations concerning drug abuse, vulnerable youth and improving the status of children in Indiana.
The Indiana Substance Abuse Task Force is comprised of legislators, state officials, and professionals who work in fields related to substance abuse and child safety. The Task Force works in conjunction with other entities across Indiana to identify best practices and make recommendations concerning drug abuse, vulnerable youth and improving the status of children in Indiana.
