Meth Production Up

MOBILE, Ala. (AP) - Officials in Mobile and Baldwin counties say
methamphetamine production has risen again after a state law caused
a sharp drop three years ago.
The law, which took effect in October 2005, limits the purchase
of medications containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are
needed to make meth. Authorities said meth makers had trouble
getting the ingredients for the drug without those over-the-counter
pills.
The law requires stores to record the names of people who buy
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, but there is no central database.
Mobile County Sheriff Sam Cochran said meth cooks realized they
could go from one store to another to avoid detection.
Cochran said hundreds of people in Mobile County have bought far
more of the two drugs than is legally allowed.