Authorities turn to civil lawsuits against chemical sellers

(Tulsa-AP) -- Federal authorities are using to a new tool in an effort to stop people who sell chemicals that are to be used in methamphetamine production.

Civil lawsuits are being filed if prosecutors fear they don't have enough evidence for a criminal case against the sellers. A criminal conviction requires proof beyond a reasonable doubt that the seller knew the chemicals would be used to produce drugs.

In Tulsa, the Drug Enforcement Administration is suing Roger Greer and Phyllis Roberts for allegedly selling large amounts of iodine, which is used to produce methamphetamine.

The D-E-A contends the two failed to keep proper records of the sales, did not get proper identification from buyers and sold the iodine with reckless disregard for its possible use.

Prosecutors say the two could be fined as much as one (m) million dollars.