Meth Watch Program
As of November 1, 2005 a new Maine law was enacted
to prevent the home manufacturing of methamphetamine in our state. The
law requires many cold and allergy pills containing pseudoephedrine to
be placed behind the counter or in a locked cabinet in a pharmacy. This
legislation also required the Office of Substance Abuse to create the
Maine Meth Watch Program.
While retail involvement is key, Meth Watch is a voluntary program
that involves many people at the community and state level, including
law enforcement, state and local public officials, the national guard,
community activists, and drug prevention personnel. Maine chose
to implement the Meth Watch Program because it has been proven to mobilize
communities and retailers around preventing the spread of methamphetamine
abuse and manufacturing in their communities. In other states, where
theft of precursor ingredients was rampant, retailers participating in
the Meth Watch program reported safer stores, better customer relations,
increased employee awareness, improved communications with law enforcement
and a decrease in loss from theft.
The Maine Meth Watch Program can provide training and educational materials
to retail employees and community members. To find out more about the
Maine Meth Watch Program, please call (207) 621-8118.
