Pubdate: Sat, 26 Apr 2003 Source: Peoria Journal Star (IL) Copyright: 2003sPeoria Journal Star Contact: http://pjstar.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/338 Author: Copley News Service ILLINOIS LAWMAKER SEEKS TO CLOSE METH LOOPHOLE Report On Red Phosphorus Grabs Senator's Attention SPRINGFIELD - A state senator said Friday he will seek to close a loophole in Illinois' methamphetamine laws. "Living in western Illinois, I know that methamphetamine use is a growing concern," Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, said in a news release. "We must give our law-enforcement officials every tool available to fight against meth production." Sullivan's pledge came a day after the Journal Star reported prosecutors' frustration that red phosphorus, which can be used to make the drug, is not among ingredients that can trigger meth-related charges. Red phosphorus can be taken from match heads and is used in one "recipe" for manufacturing methamphetamine, an illegal and highly addictive stimulant. Under existing state laws, a suspect can be charged with producing methamphetamine if one of six "precursor ingredients" is found at the crime scene. Although red phosphorus has become an increasingly popular ingredient used in "cooking" meth, it is not included in the list of precursors, which was developed in 1999. As a result, prosecuting suspected manufacturers of methamphetamine is harder when only red phosphorus is found at the crime scene. Sullivan said he would seek to add red phosphorus to the list of precursor ingredients by amending meth legislation currently pending in the Illinois Senate. Meth has become a popular drug because it can be created with common ingredients like anhydrous ammonia, which is widely used by farmers. That ingredient is covered under current law and is the method seen most frequently in central Illinois. But Woodford County State's Attorney Mike Stroh said Thursday red phosphorus is becoming more popular, and he believes it should be added to the list of precursors. The red phosphorus method, like that of anhydrous ammonia, is highly explosive. "Stolen anhydrous ammonia has grabbed headlines," Sullivan said, but "components in household items, such as matches, can be overlooked despite being dangerous as well. "This should be something that can be taken care of rather easily," he said. - --- MAP posted-by: Josh