Pubdate: Fri, 22 Feb 2002
Source: Carthage Press, The (MO)
Copyright: 2002 The Carthage Press
Contact:  http://www.carthagepress.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1731
Author: Paul Sloca, Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

SEN. BOND URGES STATE TO SUPPORT ANTI-METH PROGRAM

Jefferson City, Mo. -- U.S. Sen. Kit Bond on Wednesday asked a Senate panel 
to support a bill that would put the administration of a federal 
anti-methamphetamine program under state control.

Two years ago, Bond, R-Mo., created the Missouri Sheriff's Methamphetamine 
Relief Team, which uses federal funding for local law enforcement efforts 
to fight the production and distribution of the highly addictive drug.

Bond said that while he has been able to secure federal funding for the 
program over the last few years, he said that stream of money may soon dry 
up as other states jockey for it.

""I'm not sure how long I will be successful," Bond told the Senate Civil 
and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. ""I believe it is essential that the 
state move in."

Since the establishment of the program, law enforcement has received $5.6 
million for 33 local sheriff's offices and 16 multi-county task forces.

""The program allows those on the front lines to assess the needs of their 
colleagues and provide the assistance they need at a critical time," Bond said.

Bond said there has been obvious successes with the program. In 2000, 906 
methamphetamine arrests were made while last year that number jumped to 2,239.

Under a bill sponsored by Sen. John Cauthorn, R-Mexico, the program would 
be sponsored by the state Department of Public Safety, which would allow 
state funding.

""We'd like to address some of the issues in the rural communities," 
Cauthorn told the committee, which did not vote on the bill.

Methamphetamine is made with over-the-counter medications and a variety of 
chemicals, including anhydrous ammonia, ether and rat poison.
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MAP posted-by: Alex