Pubdate: Wed, 03 Oct 2001
Source: The Southeast Missourian (MO)
Copyright: 2001, Southeast Missourian
Contact: http://www.semissourian.com/opinion/speakout/submit/
Website: http://www.semissourian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1322

U.S. SENATE OKS MONEY TO FIGHT METH IN MISSOURI

The Southeast Missouri Crime Lab and the region's drug task force would 
each receive $110,00 in federal money to combat methamphetamine crimes 
under a bill approved by the U.S. Senate.

In all, the plan proposed by U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Mo., would 
distribute $1.1 million to drug task forces and crime labs in the state.

Final funding will be ironed out in a House-Senate conference committee.

"We can't allow meth to take over our communities and steal the potential 
of so many young people," said U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, D- Mo.

Money for the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force would be used for overtime 
pay and expenses for 13 task force officers. The task force serves 14 
counties in Southeast Missouri, including Cape Gir-ardeau, Scott, Perry and 
Bollinger counties.

Money for the crime lab would be used for new drug analysis equipment and 
to help in the relocation of the crime lab.

Dr. Robert Briner, director of the crime lab, welcomed the funding. But he 
said it will be next year before the crime lab receives the money, assuming 
that the appropriation wins final passage from Congress.
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MAP posted-by: Rebel