| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 6729 | 2010-06-14 | Statewide | New Technology to Aid in the Fight against Methamphetamine in Our Communities |
| LOUISIANA STATE POLICE COURTESY LOYALTY SERVICE Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent HEADQUARTERS – NEWS RELEASE
New Technology to Aid in the Fight against Methamphetamine in Our Communities Baton Rouge – Today, officials announced the kickoff of a new initiative in the war on methamphetamine, which officially begins statewide tomorrow. The National Precursor Log Exchange (NPLEx) is a multi-state electronic tracking program that enforces purchase limitations on over-the-counter (OTC) medicines containing pseudoephedrine in real-time at the point of sale. The technology for NPLEx is based on a system that was developed and tested in Kentucky in 2005. The program was expanded statewide in Kentucky in 2008. Louisiana has executed an agreement with the National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) to become one of the first two states, along with Kentucky, to adopt NPLEx as their electronic tracking program. The National Association of Drug Diversion Investigators (NADDI) is a non-profit organization that facilitates cooperation between law enforcement, healthcare professionals, state regulatory agencies and pharmaceutical manufacturers in the prevention and investigation of prescription drug diversion. NPLEx provides law enforcement agencies across the country with free access to the multi-state electronic log of cold and allergy medicine purchases. The system helps retailers and consumers stay in compliance with state and federal laws that place restrictions on these medicines. These OTC cold and allergy medicines contain pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient diverted to illegally manufacture methamphetamine. The cost of deploying and supporting the NPLEx system is covered by a private/public partnership that NADDI negotiated with the leading manufacturers of these medicines. Consequently, states that are offered NPLEx can deploy and support the system without the use of government funds. Governor Bobby Jindal and the Louisiana Legislature have made this possible through legislation written by Representative Fred Mills and supported by Governor Jindal, the legislature, the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association, and the Louisiana Pharmacy Board. Governor Jindal said, "This is a critical tool to help crack down on the sale of drugs that are used to produce meth. Most importantly, the database will help keep our children safe and rid our communities of this devastating drug." Representative Mills said, “I am very proud to be a part of this worthwhile effort. The pharmacy community is committed to stand shoulder to shoulder with the law enforcement community to get these dangerous drugs off our streets.” This initiative has been proven successful at enforcing the legal purchase limits enacted by state and federal legislators. The program has also given law enforcement a powerful new intelligence tool to locate more people involved in these crimes and to find a higher percentage of meth labs throughout the state. “We are excited to move forward and take part in the NPLEx coalition. We are always looking for ways to improve our methods and efficiency in investigations, and this will be a very valuable tool to aid us in ridding our state of this terrible drug and its effects on our society,” said Colonel Mike Edmonson, Louisiana State Police Superintendant. “We will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners across the state. This is an additional tool that will allow us to continue our efforts and further our partnerships in the fight against drugs,” Edmonson added. The technology is used today to deny more than 5,000 monthly purchases of cold and allergy medicines in Kentucky that would otherwise exceed the legal limits. Law enforcement is able to immediately access electronic records, allowing them to better track meth lab suppliers. “This is a system that we have seen early on that really works and we are excited to be a part of this effort,” said Sheriff Hal Turner, Executive Director of the Louisiana Sheriff’s Association. “Through our years of experience with narcotics investigations and cooperation with Louisiana State Police, we are confident that this program will prove to be a valuable asset and phenomenal tool,” Turner added. Contact Information: TFC Russell G. Graham II Public Affairs Unit Louisiana State Police – Troop A Office: (225) 754-8524 russell.graham@dps.la.gov www.LSP.org | |||
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