Pubdate: Wed, 28 Jan 2004
Source: Columbia Missourian (MO)
Copyright: 2004 Columbia Missourian
Contact:  http://www.digmo.org/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2282
Author: Lindsey Forsythe

TASK FORCES TO TACKLE METH

Gov. Bob Holden Launched An Initiative To Stem The Drug's Production And Use

Although the 320 seventh-graders scheduled to attend Gov. Bob Holden's 
speech Tuesday were at home enjoying a snow day, the governor still spoke 
firmly about a new statewide initiative on methamphetamine education, 
prevention and treatment.

Addressing a small crowd of law enforcement officers and state officials 
gathered at Lewis and Clark Middle School in Jefferson City, Gov. Holden 
emphasized the widespread dangers associated with Missouri's 
methamphetamine problem, including addiction, violent behavior and the 
environmental hazards related to meth production.

"Meth is a huge menace to our society," Holden said after announcing the 
addition of two task forces and the reorganization of an existing task force.

One of the new task forces, the Missouri Methamphetamine Education and 
Prevention Task Force, will be made up of specialists in the fields of 
education and treatment. The task force will address a number of issues 
concerning meth, including the dangers of meth manufacturing and 
consumption. It will also establish a central resource for meth-related 
information.

The Missouri Methamphetamine Treatment Task Force will promote research 
into treatment approaches and examine ways to provide more access to 
treatment services. Holden also announced the renaming of an existing 
force. Under the new initiative, the Clandestine Lab Task Force will be 
called the Methamphetamine Enforcement and Environmental Protection Task Force.

The renamed task force will extend its focus to protecting law enforcement 
officers from the environmental dangers associated with meth production. 
The governor said Missouri led the nation with nearly 2,800 seizures of 
meth labs in 2003. However, Holden said, law enforcement statistics 
continue to show a rise in the number of meth labs throughout the state.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman