Scott City joins list of towns with pseudoephedrine regulations

After a city council vote Monday, Scott City became the latest Southeast Missouri city to regulate the sale of products containing pseudoephedrine.

The drug, which clears nasal passages and often relieves sinus pressure, is a key component in manufacturing methamphetamine.

Beginning Jan. 1, pharmacists in Scott City can only sell products such as Advil Cold and Sinus, Sudafed and Claritin-D if the consumer has a prescription.

The ordinance also requires pharmacies to report the theft, shortage, disappearance or any other losses of pseudoephedrine to the Scott City Police Department within 24 hours of the discovery.

In 2010, Scott City police officers have executed several search warrants that led to the seizure of numerous active meth labs, according to the police chief David Leeman. Lab seizures resulted in the arrest of 21 people.

The Cape Girardeau City Council made pseudoephedrine available by prescription only Monday as well. The ordinance goes into effect 10 days after passage. The Jackson Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a similar ordinance in October.

ehevern@semissourian.com

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Pertinent address:

215 Chester Ave., Scott City, MO