Iowa House of

Representatives

For Immediate Release For More Information:

Tuesday, March 22, 2005 Rep. Reichert, 515-281-3221

VILSACK SIGNS PLAN TO REDUCE METH LABS

Des Moines, Iowa – State Representative Nathan Reichert of Muscatine was pleased today that Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack took quick action and signed a bill to cut down on the number of meth labs in Iowa. The bill would make the key ingredient used to make meth, pseudoephedrine, only available at a pharmacy, with a small exception, that will make it nearly impossible to make meth in Iowa.

“I’m glad the Governor moved quickly to stop the proliferation of meth labs,” said Reichert. “I believe Iowans are willing to deal with some minor inconveniences in purchasing cold medicine to help us clamp down on these dangerous meth labs.”

“With the Governor’s signature today, convenience stores and grocery stores will begin pulling pseudoephedrine products off their shelves and must be in full compliance by May 20, 2005,” added Reichert “For Iowans who don’t have quick access to a pharmacy, I encourage them to plan ahead and make sure they have the pseudoephedrine products they need at home.”

The bill, Senate File 169, was approved by the House and Senate last week. The compromise plan makes pseudoephedrine a schedule V controlled substance, which means that products containing the drug can only be sold by pharmacists behind the counter. However, Iowans will be able to purchase pseudoephedrine in liquid or gel cap form at retail establishments in amounts under 360 milligrams. The pseudoephedrine must be locked or behind the counter and consumers will have to sign a log and show government issued identification before the purchase. Under this compromise, meth cookers will have to buy or steal 328 boxes of liquid pseudoephederine to cook an ounce of meth.

Pseudoephedrine is a common nasal decongestant found in cold and sinus medications and, unfortunately, it is also nearly identical to meth in chemical composition. You can’t make meth without it and changing the one molecule that makes them different involves a highly volatile and dangerous chemical process.

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