By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Production of meth will be a bit harder with a new law in place.
On Wednesday, Michigan Governor Jennifer Granholm, signed legislation that will limit access to ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are key ingredients in the illegal production of methamphetamine.
The new bill would require retailers who sell over the counter medicines which contain either ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to either place the medicines behind the counter or to have them in a locked case or place anti-theft devices on the products.
The legislation will also make it so people under the age of 18, will not be able to purchase these products, as it will be illegal. It will also limit the number of these products that can be purchased by an adult each month.
Anyone found in violation of the new law could face a civil fine of $50 per violation.
Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, are common ingredients found in many cold medicines and are essential ingredients in methamphetamines as well.
The drug meth is highly addictive and its production in Michigan has increased significantly in recent years.
The Michigan State Police have reported that in 1999 just 18 meth labs were seized in Michigan and in 2004 the number grew to 209.
The production of meth often involves children who are used to purchase ingredients, mix the materials and sell the product.
Estimates nationwide indicate that roughly one of every three meth incidents involves children.
Proos added, "Berrien County Sheriff Paul Bailey and I have had several discussions on how important this legislation is to help protect families and more importantly, younger members of our community.
Prior to this law being signed many retailers who sell over the counter drugs had voluntary placed the products containing these ingredients behind the counter.
Trisha Shrader a pharmacy technician at Walgreens said, "I think moving the drugs behind the counter is a good thing, because we have had a lot of problems with people stealing them."
Snyder added, "On the other hand it is an added stress with the average person with a sinus infection who just needs to get medicine for it."