Not so effective

June 10, 2009 09:30 am

— A 2005 state law had an immediate impact on reducing the number of meth labs operating in Kentucky. The number of illegal labs destroyed in the state dropped from 604 in 2004 to 302 in 2007.
But, as always seems to happen, those who profit from the trafficking of illegal drugs find ways to get around laws. As a result, the number of meth labs in the state again is on the rise, increasing by more than a third in 2008.
The 2005 law set limits on the sales of pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in meth. But makers of meth are getting around the restrictions by enlisting multiple buyers who visit several stores for cold and allergy pills, which contain the ingredient. Thus, while it may take a little more work and require more people to produce meth, dealers are finding the profits make it well worth the effort.
No doubt legislators will take another look at the 2005 law in an effort to make it even more difficult to produce meth, while still enabling those who honestly need the cold and allergy medications to get them. But experience tells us that regardless of what lawmakers do, the makers of meth will find yet another way around the law.