CHICAGO -- A new law will help law enforcement officials put a halt to increasing meth production in Illinois.
Senate Bill 73 makes permanent a pilot program that electronically tracks pseudoephedrine, typically used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.
Gov. Pat Quinn said the program is a valuable tool in helping curb meth production.
"Tracking the sales of items commonly used to manufacture meth has enabled us to nip production in the bud, and it is important to continue this program," said Quinn.
The Methamphetamine Precursor Tracking Act originally went into effect in 2009 and tracks purchases of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Pharmacies are able to block the sale of these drugs if more than 7.5 grams have been purchased in a 30-day time frame or 3.5 grams in 24 hours.
Attorney General Lisa Madigan, one of the initiators of Senate Bill 73, explained how the law is necessary to combat the growing trend in Illinois.
"Unfortunately, meth production is starting to increase again across the state," said Madigan. "We have found that the PSE tracking system is the best tool law enforcement has to identify criminals who illegally buy cold pills for cooking meth."
Since its inception, the ruling has helped Illinois State Police Methamphetamine Response Teams locate and seize 155 meth labs and make 231 meth-related arrests.
The legislation passed the Illinois General Assembly unanimously and goes into effect immediately.
CINewsNow Notifier
Twitter
Connect With Us