Border states see meth crossover

Saturday, January 1st 2005, 3:33 pm

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) _ A new Oklahoma law aimed at reducing illegal drug labs is sending methamphetamine makers across state lines to acquire one of the key ingredients of the illegal drug.

In April, Governor Brad Henry signed the bill that requires tablet forms of pseudoephedrine (soo-doe-uh-FED'-rin) to be purchased at pharmacies. The ingredient in meth is found in many over-the-counter cold medicines.

The buyer is limited to nine grams a month and must show identification.

In Kansas, law enforcement officials say they saw a large increase in people coming across the border to buy the substance immediately after the new law went into effect.

Lawmakers in several states are considering legislation similar to Oklahoma's.