Pubdate: Tue, 16 Dec 2003
Source: Daily Astorian, The (OR)
Copyright: 2003 The Daily Astorian
Contact:  http://www.dailyastorian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1629
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/methact.htm
(Methamphetamine Anti-Proliferation Act)

OREGON'S METH LAWS ARE TOO LAX

County Drug Task Force Loses Seaside After The Successful Elsie
Raid

It doesn't rank with the capture of Saddam Hussein, but last
Thursday's raid on an Elsie methamphetamine factory was nonetheless
significant in the life of Clatsop County. The carefully executed
operation was a model of professionalism and cooperation.

Meth is the scourge of the rural West. It destroys lives and it
destroys the landscape as well, contaminating structures beyond
redemption. Unlike other illegal substances such as marijuana and
cocaine, methamphetamine will cause users to act violently and
aggressively. As a consequence, meth is frequently involved in child
abuse and violent crimes.

There are two drawbacks to the shutdown of this particular meth lab.
Following its completion, the Seaside Police Department pulled out of
the county drug task force. Seaside's department has lost some good
younger officers, and they were apparently essential to the city's
participation.

Secondly, the kingpins of this drug manufacturing operation will
barely be out of circulation. Oregon's laws regarding this offense
could bring a sentence of only one to four years. The reality will be
more likely 12-18 months.

Methamphetamine manufacturers and dealers regard such sentences as
merely the cost of doing business. In truth, it's not a very high
cost, either from the standpoint of the criminal or the perspective of
a community that is being decimated by these drugs.

Meth is easily manufactured, and its use has reached epidemic
proportions in some places. For instance, it is devastating Hawaii as
well as many urban areas on the U.S. mainland.

There is a highly legitimate debate about federal laws that imprison
people for possession of a minor amount of marijuana. But Oregon's
methamphetamine statute is at the other end of the spectrum. This drug
is ruining lives and communities. It deserves a much sterner outcome.
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MAP posted-by: Derek