Stronger laws reduce meth in Iowa

The number of meth labs in Iowa has decreased dramatically, thanks to controls on the sale of pseudoephedrine. Meth is a highly addictive, dangerous drug that can be made using pseudoephedrine and other items found in most homes.  

In 2005, the Legislature passed the Pseudoephedrine Control Act, which regulates the sale of pseudoephedrine—a common ingredient in cold medicines that is used in making methamphetamine—and limited the amount that could be purchased. After an initial decline, the number of meth labs started to increase when meth makers began “pharmacy hopping,” purchasing large quantities of pseudoephedrine from multiple pharmacies.

In response, the Legislature put in place real-time, electronic tracking that connects all pharmacies and identifies those attempting to illegally purchase large amounts of pseudoephedrine. This has helped law enforcement with their meth investigations and allows pharmacists to stop a sale since they have real-time records of pseudoephedrine purchases.

The system was implemented in 2010 and the number of meth labs is falling again. According to the Governor’s Office of Drug Control Policy, use of the electronic system has prevented more than 21,000 illegal purchases, enough sales to produce 113 pounds of meth.

To see the report and Iowa’s drug control strategy, go to www.iowa.gov/odcp/drug_control_strategy/Strategy2012.Final.pdf.