Missouri Attorney General Koster, Local Officials Promote Effort To Stop Smurfing

Educational Campaign Supported By Legislators, Retail Community and Law Enforcement

News provided by

Consumer Healthcare Products Association

Mar 13, 2013, 04:25 ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo., March 13, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Attorney General Chris Koster joined Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker and leaders from the Missouri Pharmacy Association and the Jackson County Sheriff's Office at a press conference to launch the state's new voluntary retail Anti-Smurfing Campaign. The initiative, which was developed by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), aims to educate potential "smurfers"— those who buy pseudoephedrine and sell the product to another to manufacture methamphetamine—on the consequences of making an illegal purchase. The Missouri Pharmacy Association and the Missouri Retailers Association are co-sponsoring the campaign along with CHPA.

"CHPA commends General Koster, the Missouri Pharmacy Association, and the Missouri Retailers Association for launching this important initiative in Missouri," said Scott Melville, president and chief executive officer of the Consumer Healthcare Products Association. "There is no question that smurfing is a major challenge for the law enforcement community. In addition to electronic blocking technology and other legislative tools, Missouri leaders recognize the importance of taking concrete steps to educate the public about this serious criminal activity."

According to law enforcement officials, some hardened criminals—attempting to circumvent the law—approach third parties to purchase pseudoephedrine for them. While some meth cooks may understand they can go to jail for their illegal behavior, individuals who purchase these medicines for others for payment may be unaware that their behavior can lead to prison time.

The Anti-Smurfing Campaign is a public-private partnership that provides Missouri pharmacies signage to display at the retail counter. CHPA tested a range of anti-smurfing messages, and the research affirmed that these materials successfully educate potential smurfers about the consequence of illegal purchases without deterring honest consumers.

"Missouri law enforcement officials will tell you that smurfing is one of the biggest challenges they face in the battle against methamphetamine production and abuse," said General Koster in a press release Wednesday. "With the Anti-Smurfing Campaign, Missouri leaders are coming together with the manufactures of over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines to send an unmistakable message: if you're a buying this product for a meth cook, you are committing a serious criminal offense and could end up behind bars."

"Public education is critical to make real progress against meth cooks and dealers," Koster continued. "The Anti-Smurfing Campaign is not a silver bullet, but I am confident it will make those who consider buying products to help a meth cook think twice before making an unlawful purchase."

Note to editors: AG Koster's release is available on his website. Additional information and downloadable files available at Meth-KnowTheConsequences.org.

SOURCE Consumer Healthcare Products Association