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Scot Ross
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MADISON – Attorney General Peg Lautenschlager today applauded a decision by Target stores nationwide to pull many cold, allergy and cough medicines illegally used in making methamphetamine off regular store shelves, and sell them only from pharmacy counters.
“I have been calling for restrictions on sales of these kinds of over-the-counter cold medicines, which are purchased in bulk and used illegally in manufacturing methamphetamine in Wisconsin,” Lautenschlager said today. “Target has taken a commendable step by volunteering to take these actions, and I hope other retailers will follow suit and join us in Wisconsin’s fight against meth.”
Minneapolis-based Target operates 1,330 stores nationwide. The restriction announced today applies to over-the-counter medicines containing pseudoephedrine — a key ingredient in meth manufacture. The shift is expected to be carried out within two to three months.
The Wisconsin Department of Justice will conduct a second regional methamphetamine summit in Fond du Lac on April 20, 2005.
