Kansas sheriffs say new Oklahoma law could send meth cooks up north

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) _ Some sheriffs in southern Kansas are afraid a new Oklahoma law will send methamphetamine cooks from that state into Kansas. <br/><br/>The Oklahoma law requires anyone buying over-the-counter

Sunday, July 25th 2004, 10:24 am

By: News On 6

HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) _ Some sheriffs in southern Kansas are afraid a new Oklahoma law will send methamphetamine cooks from that state into Kansas.

The Oklahoma law requires anyone buying over-the-counter cold medications that contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine to show photo identification and sign for the purchase.

Ephedrine and pseudoephedrine are prime ingredients of the illegal stimulant, and are found in many types of cold medicine.

Pratt County Sheriff Vernon Chinn says he's preparing for people who want the medicines to come looking for it in Kansas.

Kansas law enforcement officials say they'd like to see a similar law in their state, but short of that, they'll try to educate merchants to keep an eye out for suspicious purchases.