The Kansas Bureau of Investigation (KBI) and the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy (the Board) announced at Dandurand Drugs in Wichita that they are partnering in first-of-its-kind pilot program to combat Methamphetamine (or Meth) use in Western Kansas. The KBI and the Board are joining forces with MethShield, a real time web based tool that enables pharmacists, retailers and law enforcement officials to track the sale of medications which can be used to create Meth. The pilot program begins this week at 128 pharmacies and drugstores across 62 counties and will run for one year (see also The Kansas Bureau of Investigation; The Kansas State Board of Pharmacy).

"Meth abuse destroys communities and tears families apart," said Jeff Brandau, Special Agent in Charge of the KBI. "We are hopeful this partnership and program will greatly reduce the number of Meth-related crimes and criminals in Western Kansas."

While there are laws to limit the purchase of over the counter medications which contain pseudoephedrine and can be used to create Meth, the current methods used to track the purchase of these products, while well intentioned, are imperfect and often ineffective at catching in the act those who are illegally purchasing pseudoephedrine. Kansas currently uses a written logbook system to track pseudoephedrine sales, which doesn't allow for the sharing of real time information between pharmacists and law enforcement officials. MethShield alerts law enforcement in real time if an individual is attempting to make an illegal purchase.

"Obviously, reducing criminal activity related to Meth production and distribution is a key driver behind this program, but MethShield will also be good for consumers and local pharmacists," said Michael Coast, President of the Kansas State Board of Pharmacy. "MethShield will ensure that consumers have access to the medicines they need and that local pharmacies will be able to sell these essential over-the-counter medications. We're looking forward to working with the KBI on this important initiative."

MethShield is the United States' version of a highly successful nationwide electronic log system initially developed in Australia. The number of Meth labs in the Australian state of Queensland -- which is twice the size of Texas and home to roughly 4.2 million people -- decreased by 37 percent in the first year MethShield was deployed in the state.

"MethShield has a proven track record of success and that's because it was developed by pharmacists for pharmacies. It's 100 percent safe and secure and will help to reduce the number of Meth labs in Western Kansas," said MethShield President and Creator, Shaun Singleton. The system on which MethShield is based was developed by Australia's lead pharmacy organization, The Pharmacy Guild of Australia.

"What an honor to have our own Dandurand Drugs chosen to participate in this program," said Wichita Vice Mayor Sue Schlapp. "Wichita is proud to be a part of this life saving project and the partnerships that have made it possible."