The first phase of Rowan County Meth Watch educated local businesses to help limit the accessibility of products containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine – the primary component used in making methamphetamine.

Phase 1 was committed to educating real estate agents, hospitality workers and others who may come in contact with the dangerous remnants of the manufacturing process.

Following the introduction of Meth Watch Phase 1, the North Carolina General Assembly passed a law making it more difficult to purchase over-the-counter medications used to make methamphetamine.

Now pharmacies and retailers can monitor sales of these products and prohibit repeat purchases from any individual within a 30-day period.

A recent survey of 500 county law enforcement officials in 44 states found a decrease in meth lab busts resulting from the laws that restrict the sale of cold medicines with ingredients used in the manufacture of meth.

Today, it’s clear that the community knows more about the dangers of methamphetamine production.

Now the Meth Watch program is focused on educating our youth about the severe physical and psychological effects of meth use.

Meth Watch is a joint effort of the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, the Salisbury Police Department, Rowan Business Alliance, Rowan-Kannapolis Alcoholic Beverage Control and Miller Davis Studios.