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U.S.  ATTORNEY: METH MAKERS CAN USE LIQUID MEDICINE

Liquid cold medicines, gel caps and some tablets not covered by West Virginia's new anti-meth law can be used by traffickers to cook the illegal drug after all, U.S.  Attorney Kasey Warner cautioned Thursday.

A number of over-the-counter medications that contain the critical component pseudoephedrine, while not as the single active ingredient, are exempt from legislation Gov.  Joe Manchin signed, he said.

Likely, such medicines weren't included on the restricted list since past experience suggested they were unfit for making meth, the federal prosecutor said.

"However, we have just learned from drug specialists that criminal use of non-controlled liquid cold medicines and multi-ingredient tablets is being detected in a more difficult, but not excessively complicated, pseudoephedrine extraction-meth production process," Warner said.

Among those not limited by the new state law are severe cold formula caplets, powders dissolved in hot liquids, cough syrups and other water- and alcohol-based liquids, and soft gels containing the critical element, he said.

"Attempts by individuals and groups to obtain large amounts of such medications, while apparently legal, may now indicate the possibility of illegal meth production to an astute, educated observer," Warner said.

If retailers want to play "an effective part" in the war against meth, Warner suggested, they might take it upon themselves to further limit access to all cold medicines that contain pseudoephedrine.

Manchin sought the measure in his State of the State address, and the Legislature responded with a bill that limits the sale of certain cold medicines to 9 grams, or three packages, within a 30-day period.  Anyone making such purchases must furnish a photo ID.

The bill also imposes limits on anhydrous ammonia and iodine, and adds a felony penalty for exposing police, firefighters and other first responders to fire and explosions while busting meth labs.

Manchin's communications director, Lara Ramsburg, voiced confidence in the new law but emphasized the administration will monitor the meth situation, including federal agencies in the oversight.

"As things change, and as people may adapt to the current legislation and law, we will obviously address those situations as they arise," she said.

"But we feel very confident in the bill which was passed.  We think it's definitely a very big step in the right direction and are anxious for it to take effect."

The new law becomes effective 90 days from passage, putting it on the books officially in early July.

Warner applauded the new state law, saying it is expected to "greatly reduce" the output of meth in home-style labs.

"And the West Virginia Legislature is to be commended for passing this model legislation," the U.S.  attorney said.

"However, we must remain vigilant for the next step by criminals - use of unrestricted medications and an expected influx of meth produced in both surrounding states and by Mexican drug trafficking organizations to meet lingering demand as locally produced supplies decrease."