Pubdate: Thu, 30 Dec 2004
Source: Grand Island Independent (NE)
Copyright: 2004 Grand Island Independent
Contact:  http://www.theindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1023
Author: Robert Pore
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PROPOSED LAW TO CLAMP DOWN ON METH

LINCOLN - A legislative package designed to "send a strong message"
to methamphetamine dealers and manufacturers was unveiled by Gov. Mike
Johanns on Wednesday in Lincoln.

While the legislation is designed to combat meth manufacturing and
distribution, it would also require individuals purchasing the starch
tablet form of pseudoephedrine to sign for the cold medication.
Pseudoephedrine -- found in common over-the-counter medicines such as
Sudafed -- is the key ingredient in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.

"Meth is a serious problem in our state and, for that matter, across
the country, and this bill continues a long-standing commitment to
combat the problem from a number of different angles," Johanns said
during a new conference with Lt. Gov. Dave Heineman and Attorney
General Jon Bruning, which The Independent monitored by telephone.

Johanns said the four-point legislative proposal would take the next
steps in Nebraska's ongoing battle against meth.

"This legislation will make it harder for meth manufacturers to get
their supplies," he said.

The bill would require any product containing the starch tablet form
of pseudoephedrine to be sold by a pharmacy and stored behind the
counter or in a locked display case. Anyone purchasing such a product
would be required to show identification and sign a logbook. Liquid
and gelcap products containing pseudoephedrine would be excluded from
the restriction.

Details such as who would review the logbooks and how much
pseudoephedrine a person could buy in one trip are still being worked
out. Bruning said the limit would be enough to allow a person to
purchase around 12 boxes of cold medicine at a time.

The bill also would stiffen the penalties for drug crimes that involve
firearms by enhancing the sentence by one penalty classification.
Third, the bill would align meth penalties with those already imposed
for cocaine trafficking.

The fourth change would add methamphetamine to the definition of an
exceptionally hazardous drug -- those that cause a heightened risk of
death or serious bodily injury.

It's Johanns' hope that, if the legislation passes, "it will help to
dissuade meth manufacturers to set up shop in the state."

Johanns said 245 meth labs were seized last year in Nebraska.
Nationwide, the Drug Enforcement Administration reported that more
than 7,000 meth labs were dismantled in 2003.

"That is reason enough to clamp down on the supply of meth-making
ingredients," he said.

Johanns said other states, such as Oklahoma, have either passed or are
considering similar legislation. The law in Oklahoma has resulted in a
65 percent reduction in meth labs, he said.

"It only intensifies the need to do so in Nebraska," he said. "We must
not allow our state to become a magnet for meth labs."

The legislation, Johanns said, "sends a clear message to meth dealers
and manufacturers that they will pay a heavy price if they choose to
make or sell this deadly drug in our state."

Johanns said an important ally in getting this legislation passed will
be the state's convenience store operators.

"I'm fully aware that the proposed restrictions on the sale of
pseudoephedrine will require additional efforts by retailers," he
said. "The fact that the convenience store association is calling this
legislation a reasonable approach tells me that they, too, are
concerned about protecting communities."

"As retailers, we understand the public safety issues that meth
presents and we want to be part of the solution," said Tim Keigher,
executive director of the Nebraska Petroleum Marketers and Convenience
Store Association. "While the proposed restrictions on the sale of
pseudoephedrine will require some extra effort, we think it is a
reasonable compromise."

The problem is well-known among drug companies. Sudafed maker Pfizer
Inc. announced last week it would offer early next year a new version
of the cold and allergy medicine without pseudoephedrine in an effort
to combat meth production.

Bruning said the Legislature recognized the importance of combating
meth by adding two prosecutors to the attorney general's drug and
violent crime unit last year.

"Prosecution is critical, but we also need to make an effort to stop
meth crimes before they start," he said. "This legislation is the
logical and necessary next step."

Prior to Wednesday's press conference, Bruning said, state law
enforcement officials conducted a meth-making demonstration for state
officials.

With the local purchase of $25 worth of ingredients, such as
over-the-counter medicine containing pseudoephedrine, they made enough
meth for 20 people to be high for eight hours, Bruning said. He said
the street value of the drug made for the demonstration could run as
high as $500.

"It was a fairly stunning display to see how easily this was made," he
said.

Bruning said the stiffer penalties proposed are aimed at fighting meth
cookers and dealers and not 18-year-old first-time users.

Heineman said those who make and sell "this deadly drug" have no
regard for the lives they destroy.

"That is why we must be firm in our efforts to stop them."
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MAP posted-by: Derek