I Need Pills .You got a common cold today and thought you might stroll down to the neighborhood drug store and buy some Sudafed to clear up your runny nose. When you get to the area where the pharmacy is located, you search relentlessly for the over the counter medication that fixed what ailed you many times before. Failing to find any brand name to cure your cold, you stop at the pharmacy counter and park under the sign that says; "Drop Prescriptions Here". You have no prescription but thought the pharmacist might help you out. "I'd like some Sudafed please, can you tell me where I can find some tablets " ? The guy in the white coat across the counter reaches behind him, picks up a clipboard with a form attached to it and hands it to you. You quickly read the document which advises you to fill in your name, address, telephone number, and instructs you to hand the completed form along with a photo ID to the Pharmacist. You complete the form, pull out your driver's license and pass it to the pharmacist across the counter. You then get your Sudafed, pay for it and march out the store disgusted at what you think is unnecessary red tape.
One of the active ingredients in Sudafed is pseudoephedrine which is used to produce methamphetamine. A number of states have required that stores remove Sudafed or pseudoephedrine from their shelves. In the month of October, the Federal Government increased the requirements. It is now necessary for someone wishing to purchase these tablets to sign a log and produce a picture ID. This is one of many steps being taken to protect innocent people like you and I from becoming an innocent victim.
Common Stuff - When you preview a home with a client the next time, be aware that common everyday ordinary looking ingredients are used for the production of Methamphetamine. A number of these ingredients, such as Sudafed, combined with common household ingredients are used to create the drug. An unusual number of tablets (600 are required for one ounce of crystal meth) may be a tip off. Aluminum foil is sometimes combined with muriatic acid (used in swimming pools) to produce the required hydrogen chloride gas. Coffee Filters, anti-freeze, high proof drinking alcohol, and Red Devil lye are other ingredients. Match sticks that have been scraped clean and thrown in the garbage or just left lying around in large quantities may be a giveaway that an active lab may be nearby. Iodine stains on the carpets or walls are common characteristics you may come across. Duracell or Energizer batteries are used many times to extract the metal and chemicals found in the batteries. If you notice a large quantity of batteries sitting in a storage area or broken open, you may want to be concerned. The waste materials as a by product of the process are also created. Five to six pounds of hazardous materials are created for every pound of crystal meth. This waste is frequently buried in a backyard.
Be Aware . You as a REALTOR need to know that literally thousands of labs go un noticed in the United States and the number is increasing at an alarming rate daily. A little awareness goes a long way. If you suspect this activity is or has occurred in a home or in the area, contact local law enforcement immediately. Depending on you state, you may have additional reporting requirements.
For more information on this illegal activity and what I feel needs to be done about it to protect us as real estate professionals, read my previously posted blog at http://localism.com/article/28559/Cooking-Proves-Fatal-To-REALTORS
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