Kosciusko County is no longer in the Top 10 counties for methamphetamine labs and it seems Indiana’s laws on purchasing pseudoephedrine may be among the crediting factors.

In 2012, according to Indiana State Police, Kosciusko County shared a three-way tie for the No. 7 spot for the most methamphetamine labs found in the state. That was a significant improvement over the 2011 rankings, which had Kosciusko County in the No. 3 spot.

On Friday, though, ISP released the latest statistics that indicate Kosciusko County is no longer in the Top 10. In 2012, Kosciusko tied for the seventh highest number of meth labs with Noble and Howard counties. Noble County remains in the Top 10 this year.

Some of the credit for the decrease in meth labs may be attributed to Indiana’s laws on pseudoephedrine and ephedrine. Purchasing laws changed in July 2011 when lawmakers ruled that no one could buy more than 3.6 grams of pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products in one day and no more than 7.2 grams in a 30-day period. On Jan. 1, 2012, even more laws on retailers went into effect.

Today, before completing a sale of an over-the-counter product containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, retailers must electronically submit a host of required information to the National Precursor Log Exchange. That information includes, but is not limited to, the name and address of the purchaser, the type of identification the buyer provides, the specific product purchased (including the number of grams), date and time of the purchase and even the clerk who completed the transaction.

ISP findings show a total of 33 meth labs were located in Kosciusko County last year. In 2012, that number was 47; in 2011 it was 58.

The Top 10 list of Indiana counties, as they relate to meth labs in 2013, were:

1. Vanderburgh County with 115 labs
2. Delaware County 109 labs
3. Noble County 66 labs
4. Allen County 64 labs
5. Elkhart County 63 labs
6. Monroe County 62 labs
7. Madison County 61 labs
8. Miami County 49 labs
9. Bartholomew County 43 labs
10. Decatur County 41 labs

Anyone with information about illegal drug use may call the Indiana State Police Drug Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. Tips can be made and kept anonymous.

The Methamphetamine Suppression Section of the Indiana State Police began organization in June of 2005 after the passing of Senate Enrolled Act 444 relating to the sales restrictions placed on pseudoephedrine products, the Meth Watch program, and the Indiana Drug Endangered Children (DEC) protocol. MSS became full-time in January of 2006.

The mission of the Meth Suppression Section is to pro-actively investigate methamphetamine crimes in communities all over the state of Indiana.

For additional statistics on methamphetamine labs, click HERE.