Trying to Stop Meth in Missouri

Representative Bahr Praises Recent Successes Against Meth Crime In Missouri

JEFFERSON CITY,Mo- Missouri State Representative Kurt Bahr (R-O'Fallon) today released the latest 2014 data generated by the state's real-time, stop-sale pseudoephedrine tracking system, known as the National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx).

In use in Missouri since 2011, NPLEx is now operational in 30 states across the country and works in real time and across state lines to automatically block unlawful, attempted pseudoephedrine (PSE) purchases at the point of sale.  NPLEx also allows pharmacists and retailers to more effectively administer federal law, which requires each PSE sale to be logged and for every purchaser to show his or her photo ID.

This sophisticated technology also shares suspicious purchase data with law enforcement, even sending real-time alerts to officers via email.  Suspected meth criminals can be placed on a "watch list" to monitor PSE purchase attempts.  By stopping these sales, NPLEx prevents the normally safe medicines from being illegally misused in the production of a dangerous drug and helps catch those responsible.

So far in 2014, the NPLEx system in Missouri has helped block the sale of 23,682 boxes of pseudoephedrine, stopping 59,245grams from potential diversion into methamphetamine.

Additionally, smurfing, the criminal practice of recruiting additional buyers of PSE to circumvent existing restrictions, may be dipping.  According to the NPLEx data, through the 3(rd) quarter of 2014 there are 10% fewer individuals who have purchased PSE compared to last year.

"I am thrilled that the NPLEx system continues to perform in Missouri," said Rep. Bahr.  "Law enforcement and pharmacists are working together to combat a terrible drug.  By stopping suspicious sales of pseudoephedrine, we are taking real steps to stop meth production and distribution, while at the same time making sure law-abiding Missourians still have access to the medicines they need.  NPLEx is part of a coordinated approach to cracking down on meth crime in our state."



SOURCE  Missouri State Representative Kurt Bahr