Names required to buy cold medicine in E China

People will have to register personal information when buying cold medicine in stores in Zhejiang province, starting Sept 10, Beijing News reported Thursday.

The local public security authority published a notice requiring drug makers and wholesalers to keep client documents when trading in medicines that contain ephedrine, which can be used as a component of illegal drugs like smokable methamphetamine, or ice.

Retailers also are required to register customers' name, address, time of purchase and amount purchased.

Police found some criminals using cold medicine to make illegal drugs in several provinces including Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Shandong.