"Meth Checks" Makes its Way into Walton County
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Updated: 8:34 PM Jan 27, 2010
"Meth Checks" Makes its Way into Walton County
Pharmacies in Bay County are already required to use the "meth check" software to track the sales of pseudo ephedrine products. Now it appears Walton County will be following suit.
Posted: 8:34 PM Jan 27, 2010
Reporter: Meagan O'Halloran
Email Address: meagan.ohalloran@wjhg.com

Meth Checks Approved For Walton County Pharmacies
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Meth labs have been a widespread problem in the panhandle for several years..
A few weeks ago, the Walton County Sheriff's Office and surrounding law enforcement agencies made fifteen meth related arrests in a nine month undercover operation.
Last night Walton County commissioners approved a request from the Sheriff's Office to adopt a "Meth Check" ordinance to tackle the problem head on.
Pharmacies in Bay County are already required to use the "meth check" software to track the sales of pseudo ephedrine products. Now it appears Walton County will be following suit.
“The Prescription Place” on Highway 90 is already using Meth Check software to track over-the-counter products containing ingredients used to make methamphetamine.
Shane Abbott is a pharmacist and co-owner of “Prescription Place” and says they don’t want to enable meth users to buy their products.
They think the “Meth Check” system is accomplishing that.
"I believe its deterred a lot of pseudo ephedrine buyers from our store which is fine by us. If they aren't using it for medicinal purposes, we don't want them in here anyway" Abbott says.
The database processes customers' drivers licenses and keeps a record of their monthly purchases.
Cari Cole is a fellow pharmacist and owns “Prescription Place” with Abbott and says the computer software program keeps their customers safe from illegal activity and keeps them from contributing to the meth epidemic.
"For us it's a safety mechanism because we have this system that's saying 'sorry you've exceeded the limit' there's nothing we can do” Cole says.
State law already prohibits an individual from buying more than nine grams of pseudo ephedrine in a thirty day period.
but meth makers have been able to bypass the law, by shopping at different pharmacies.
Walton County Sheriff Mike Adkinson who proposed the request to county commissioners Tuesday night says it will change the way pharmacists handle this issue.
"The law is kind of cumbersome because they have to handwrite everything and hand keep it up” Adkinson says, making the process less efficient.
“Meth Check” makes it easier for pharmacies to comply with state laws, especially if all the pharmacies have instant access to the records.
“This really benefits them and allows them to become partners in the fight against this" Adkinson adds.
And most pharmacy owners seem to be more than happy to join the system.
"We here at the “Prescription Place” want to do our part to help control the problem" Cole says.
Apparently “Meth Check” works. Adkinson says he and his investigators have seen an increase in the number of Bay County residents now traveling to Walton County to buy pseudo ephedrine. Right now, "Meth Check" software is optional in Walton County but Tuesday night's vote would make it mandatory.

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