Mesa considers meth policy (Arizona)

By Vanessa White, Independent Newspapers

Poised to join Valley cities in addressing the methamphetamine epidemic, Mesa officials will study provisions of the Congress-approved Patriot Act, which requires pharmacists to log purchases of medicines containing pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient used to make meth.

In question is whether Mesa should authorize its police units to enforce the law as other cities have or further restrict pseudoephedrine sales.

The Patriot Act renewal cleared the U.S. Senate March 2 and the U.S. House of Representatives March 7.

“When we took the ordinance to City Council last month, we wanted to wait and see if the Patriot Act passed because it contained an extensive section of pseudoephedrine sales,” said Jim Huling, assistant to Mesa City Manager Chris Brady. “It did pass, so the city attorney’s office is preparing a report of what is contained in the Act.”

City Council should be discussing possible new ordinance measures this week.

According to Mr. Huling, passage of the Patriot Act may negate the need for a local ordinance.

“The federal legislation contains everything that is in our ordinance and more,” Mr. Huling said. “Local governments are required to pass a bill that is more restrictive, not less.”

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http://www.newszap.com/articles/2006/04/17/az/east_valley/mesa05.txt