Terry Goddard Applauds Drug Decision by Target Corp.

(Phoenix, Ariz. - April 18, 2005) Attorney General Terry Goddard today praised the move by Target Corp. to restrict access to decongestants containing pseudoephedrine -the key ingredient used to make methamphetamine. 

Target, the nation's second-largest discount retailer, announced today it would require over-the-counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine to be sold behind pharmacy counters in its stores nationwide. In Target stores without pharmacies, the drugs won't be sold at all. The company said its new policy will take effect in two to three months.  

"This decision by Target shows a sense of corporate responsibility that is commendable," Goddard said. "Meth use has reached epidemic proportion in Arizona and many other states. Target is doing its part, and I hope other retailers will follow its example." 

The new policy by Target increases the need to pass a comprehensive meth bill in Arizona, Goddard added.

"A company should not find itself at a competitive disadvantage for doing the right thing," Goddard said. "Our bill will require all stores to put pseudoephedrine tablets behind pharmacy counters. It also will require buyers to show an ID and sign a log, impose tighter limits on the amount that can be sold, and stiffen criminal penalties for meth use and production."