Nixa leaders reject controversial pseudoephedrine prescription plan

Proposed law was designed to combat methamphetamine production in the community

August 10, 2012|by Mike Landis, KY3 News | mlandis@ky3.com

NIXA, Mo. - Despite safe streets and a low crime rate, Police Chief James Bacon is quick to admit, “ We do have a meth problem in our community.” That’s exactly why he was pushing for a city ordinance requiring a doctor’s prescription to buy cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine- a key ingredient used to make meth.

“It is not going to eliminate it. But it is going to make it that much harder for those that are making meth to get the thing they need in order to make it,” stated Bacon.

The nearby communities of Branson and Hollister recently passed similar measures.

“And as a result of what they did we saw a dramatic increase in the sale of pseudoephedrine in Nixa,” Bacon explained. “Pharmacists are telling us we are seeing people from Arkansas, Forsyth, Branson West, and when they come here they come in bunches.”

City councilwoman Darlene Graham, an allergy sufferer, wasn’t a big fan of the plan.

“I know the concern was that the meth people use it for their product, which is true. But overwhelming the product is used by those who are not meth makers, as opposed to meth makers,” Graham stated. “We are going to be penalized for using a product that is an over the counter product that is now behind the counter

“Yes, it is a small percentage of people that are doing it. But, unfortunately, they are creating a hazard not just for themselves, but everybody in the community,” said Bacon.

On Tuesday, all of Darlene’s colleagues on the council sided with her. They decided to drop the issue and not proceed with an official vote.

“It is like every time something comes up- it is like law abiding people are being punished because some person to misuse whatever they decide to do. And it just seems everybody else has to be punished,” Graham explained.

“Buying pseudoephedrine is legal…until something is done we work status quo.”

Chief Bacon said he would not rule out the possibility of bringing up the issue again sometime in the future. Until then, he hopes Missouri legislators move to create a statewide prescription requirement. Lawmakers have failed to pass such legislation each time it’s been introduced.

|

|

|