Pubdate: Tue, 05 Jul 2005
Source: USA Today (US)
Page: 3A
Copyright: 2005 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Co. Inc
Contact:  http://www.usatoday.com/printedition/news/index.htm
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/466
Author: Donna Leinwand, USA TODAY
Cited: National Association of Counties http://www.naco.org
Cited: Office of National Drug Control Policy 
http://www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

COUNTIES SAY METH IS TOP DRUG THREAT

WASHINGTON - Methamphetamine is a bigger problem than cocaine, 
marijuana or heroin for most communities, according to a survey of 
law enforcement agencies in 500 counties in 45 states by the National 
Association of Counties.

The survey, to be released today by the national group that 
represents county commissioners, supervisors and other top county 
officials, finds that methamphetamine is:

. The No. 1 illegal drug problem in the view of law enforcement 
agencies in 58% of the counties surveyed. Fewer than 20% see pot as 
the top problem.

. Behind an increase in other crimes. Agencies in 70% of the counties 
said the drug is driving up the number of robberies and burglaries.

. Seen as the top drug problem in every area of the country except 
the Northeast. There, law enforcement agencies consider heroin the 
No. 1 problem, ahead of pot, methamphetamine and cocaine.

Meth, as it is called, is a form of speed that is usually smoked or 
injected. It can be quickly and highly addictive.

Methamphetamine can be made from basic ingredients, particularly cold 
medicines that contain pseudoephedrine and fertilizer made with 
anhydrous ammonia.

The survey highlights a difference between what many local officials 
say is the biggest drug problem and where the federal government has 
targeted its prevention and eradication efforts.

"On the national level, the federal government still considers 
marijuana as the No. 1 drug problem in America, but county law 
enforcement officials have a different perspective on this ranking," 
the association says in its survey.

Congress is considering restricting the nationwide sale of products 
that contain the drug pseudoephedrine.

David Murray, a policy analyst for the Office of National Drug 
Control Policy, says the Bush administration is developing a national 
response to the meth problem.

However, he says, the administration cannot neglect other drugs in the process.

Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, are 
working to disrupt the supply of chemicals needed to make 
methamphetamine and stop the smugglers who carry it from Mexico and 
Canada, Murray says.

He says marijuana remains a top priority because it is the most 
commonly used illegal drug, with 15 million users, compared with 
about 1 million meth users.

"We do have to keep all drug threats in context, which means you 
cannot ignore marijuana," he says. 
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