Oklahoma chief OKs ban on some cold remedies

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) — Gov. Brad Henry signed legislation Wednesday to ban some sales of several popular cold remedies used to make methamphetamine, barring the drugs from stores other than pharmacies.

The governor, surrounded by police and the families of three state troopers killed during meth investigations, said the law will reduce addictions and "the risk of law enforcement officers who endanger their lives every time they stop someone for speeding or walk into a house to dismantle a lab."

The law bans retail-store sales of cold tablets containing pseudoephedrine, frequently found in decongestants. Those tablets, including brands such as Sudafed and Claritin-D, will be available in pharmacies but only to customers who present photo identification and sign for the medicine.