Store Owner Arrested For Selling Iodine

[Louis Cypher]

The Associated Press

November 12, 2004


FOUNTAIN, Colo. -- A Fountain business owner is free on bond after being arrested for allegedly selling chemicals used to make methamphetamine.

Fountain police say 62-year-old Neil Cizek is the first Colorado resident to be arrested under a new state law that took effect July 1. The new law makes it illegal to knowingly sell chemicals used for manufacturing meth.

Cizek's arrest comes after a year-long investigation by federal and local drug enforcement agencies.

The Gazette newspaper reports that iodine sales receipts from Cizek's business have been found in one-fourth of the area meth labs raided during the past two months.

Cizek said he's always asked customers why they're buying the iodine, asked them for identification, and kept their names on file.

He said authorities are blaming him for the illegal activities of some of his customers -- and says he can't follow everyone who buys iodine because his store is a one-man operation.

Iodine is commonly used to treat equine hoof disease. Police claim Cizek sold 69 pounds a month, enough to treat more than 500,000 horses -- three times the number of horses in Colorado.

But Cizek said iodine can also be used to treat other horse injuries, plus sanitize septic systems and locate vacuum-tube leaks.

Cizek is scheduled to appear in court next Wednesday. He could face up to 12 years in prison and $750, 000 in fines if convicted.

[Phreak]

Has anyone try it ????