Pubdate: Mon, 28 Mar 2005
Source: Daily Reflector (Greenville, NC)
Copyright: 2005 Daily Reflector
Contact:  http://www.reflector.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1456
Pubdate: 28 Mar 2005
Source: Daily Reflector (NC)
Author:  Mett Ausley Jr.
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v05/n488/a04.html?40947

N.C. SHOULD LEARN LESSON FROM OKLAHOMA

In her March 23 letter, SBI Director Robin Pendergraft is correct that 
restricting sales of over-the-counter decongestants, particularly 
pseudoephedrine, helps curtail the small "mom and pop" methamphetamine labs 
now afflicting western Noth Carolina.

Pendergraft provides evidence from Oklahoma where recently enacted 
restrictions caused a sharp, sustained decline in meth lab seizures. Other 
states are following suit.

Truthfulness compels the entire story be told, though unfavorable to the 
criminal justice agenda. Oklahoma's step was less inspiration than a 
desperation measure to relieve worsening fiscal pressure caused by meth 
offenders crowding state prisons.

Tough enforcement and harsh penalties notwithstanding, meth labs ran 
rampant in Oklahoma for a decade. While politically popular, the 
stereotypical "tough-on-drugs" approach failed to abate meth labs and 
consumed public resources needed elsewhere. The decision to restrict 
pseudoephedrine can be viewed as a remedy for this mistake. North Carolina 
should consider limits on decongestant sales appropriate for the severity 
and scope of our problem. More importantly, let's look at all the evidence 
and avoid Oklahoma's errors.

METT AUSLEY JR.

Lake Waccamaw
- ---
MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom