Over-the-counter cold medicines contain ingredients that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamines, so tracking the bulk purchase of these items by average consumers can lead to meth manufacturing operations. But the story of controlling these over-the-counter medications has a long and varied history, as legislators crack down on supply and criminals adapt to import or locate ingredients through increasingly complex means.
The Crime Report, a great crime and law enforcement blog, has an interesting, in-depth article on the history of cold medication tracking and regulation that is worth checking out. Along with a history of regulation, the article also points out problems with current laws and advocates smarter regulation that would help keep these ingredients away from criminals.
Source: http://thecrimereport.org/2009/08/17/cold-medicines-become-a-hot-commodity/
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