Pubdate: Wed, 06 Jun 2001 Source: Lincoln Journal Star (NE) Copyright: 2001 Lincoln Journal Star Contact: http://www.journalstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/561 Author: Ken Hambleton JOHANNS PLANS WAR ON DRUGS Gov. Mike Johanns said his three-pronged attack in the war on drugs put Nebraska in great shape for upcoming battles. Speaking from the Western Governor's Association in Boise, Idaho, Johanns told a press conference Tuesday that this year's new programs will make a significant difference in the war against drugs. Among his proposals passed in the recent Legislature: $3 million over the next two years to fund early childhood development and education. $636,326 over the next two years for eight new State Patrol troopers. $91 million over the next two years for mental health and substance abuse programs. $210,000 in state funds and $426,000 in federal funds for expansion of the juvenile facilities at the Office of Juvenile Services in Hastings. "These programs attack the drug problem on three sides," Johanns said. "Through intervention, enforcement and treatment we can make a difference. "Nebraska is in better position than ever before to address the drug problems in our state. We can win more battles for the lives of Nebraskans in this drug war." Col. Tom Nesbitt, head of the State Patrol, added that tougher penalties for users and distributors of methamphetamine, more troopers, advanced training and participation in the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program are all parts of Nebraska's stepped-up attack on drugs. He said the enactment of the law banning nonagricultural use of anhydrous ammonia - a key to manufacturing meth - will help stop the 500 percent increase in theft of the product from Nebraska farms. He added that Nebraska is seeing an influx of meth producers as neighboring states step up enforcement. The summit Johanns is attending culminates a yearlong effort to address drug abuse in the western states. Last fall, drug policy academies were conducted in Phoenix and Lincoln as part of the program. - --- MAP posted-by: Andrew