Anti-Smurfing Campaign Expands in McMinn
5.20.15 – The Daily Post Athenian
State Rep. John Forgety (R-Athens) and Etowah Vice Mayor David James joined representatives from BI-LO Monday to announce the expansion of Tennessee’s statewide Anti-Smurfing Campaign in McMinn County.
The voluntary educational campaign aims to increase public awareness about the criminal enterprise known as “smurfing” – the practice of purchasing cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) on behalf of methamphetamine criminals.
The anti-smurfing campaign informs consumers through signage displayed at the point of sale that smurfing is a serious criminal offense and an integral part of the methamphetamine-production process. As a result, the simple act of buying certain cold or allergy products for a stranger can fuel Tennessee’s methamphetamine problem.
The public-private partnership was developed by the Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), a national association representing the makers of over-the-counter medicines, and is carried out by Tennessee pharmacies on a voluntary basis. Supporting the campaign are the Tennessee Pharmacists Association, Tennessee Retail Association, Tennessee Grocers & Convenience Store Association, and Tennessee Rural Health Association. CHPA tested anti-smurfing posters to ensure that they communicate impactful messaging without deterring legitimate consumers.
Read more here.