West Virginia Retailers Association Highlights Success Of NPLEx In Battle Against Meth Labs

CHARLESTON, W.Va., Aug. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The West Virginia Retailers Association today lauded the latest results achieved by the real-time, stop-sale system in West Virginia.  Since being implemented in January of 2013, first and second quarter data provided to the West Virginia Board of Pharmacy show electronic technology in the Mountain State blocked more than 9,900 boxes from being illegally sold, preventing more than 26,420 grams from potentially being diverted by meth criminals.

"West Virginia's stop-sale technology continues to provide retailers in the state with a valuable tool to combat meth production and distribution.  This technology is a blessing for those who want to help in the fight against meth production, while protecting law-abiding citizens' access to medicines they depend on.  It is an easy to use system that has measurable positive impacts.  Moreover, it takes the pressure off of retailers by automatically blocking any illegal transaction of pseudoephedrine at the point of sale.  It is truly an innovative and effective system that has made a real difference in a short period of time," said Bridget Lambert, president of the West Virginia Retailers Association.  "As West Virginia lawmakers debate additional measures to reduce meth-related crime, they should recognize electronic technology's undeniable success and implement policies that complement and bolster the proven system."

NPLEx was implemented by West Virginia in January of this year.  It has been adopted in 27 other states around the country to prevent illegal pseudoephedrine sales.

"Rather than impose additional burdens on West Virginia consumers, we should work to ensure that this system is being utilized as effectively as possible by all law enforcement agencies across the state to catch criminals," Lambert said. 

About the West Virginia Retailers Association

The West Virginia Retailers Association is the voice of the retail industry in West Virginia.  The association was founded in 1942 by merchants concerned with advancing and safeguarding the well-being of the retail industry.  The association is recognized by merchants, legislators, state officials and other trade groups as the spokesman for the retailing industry.

Today, the association is the retail industry's major statewide trade association.  Whether a local independent merchant of a retail chain, the association is an active force in promoting the interest and progress of all West Virginia retailers.

SOURCE West Virginia Retailers Association