Pubdate: Wed, 02 Aug 2006
Source: Las Cruces Sun-News (NM)
Copyright: 2006 by Mid-States Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.lcsun-news.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/674
Author: Jose L. Medina, Sun-News reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PEARCE HOLDS METH FORUM

LAS CRUCES -- With law enforcement officers, city leaders and former 
addicts in attendance, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce made a stop in Las 
Cruces Tuesday for a public meeting on the dangers of methamphetamine.

It was Pearce's fourth "listening session" in what will be a 17-stop, 
two-week tour through the 2nd Congressional District to get the 
community's input on how to best attack southern New Mexico's and the 
country's problem with the drug.

Pearce said the meetings are part of his efforts to improve the lives 
of families in the district, something he campaigned on when first 
elected in 2002.

Tuesday's meeting at city hall council chambers focused on prevention 
and awareness, with Pearce saying that while state laws have put 
meth-producing labs out of business, labs south of the border are 
increasing the drug's danger.

"The meth that is coming across the (Mexican) border is in a super 
refined form -- 90 percent pure," Pearce said. "One time. One time 
and you can be hooked.

Las Cruces Mayor Bill Mattiace told the congressman that as he has 
become informed on the issue he has come to realize that to combat 
the problem, agencies will need funding that "flows from the top."

"In all the investigation I've done, Congressman, I hear the word 
shortage,'" Mattiace said. "I think what we need is m-o-n-e-y so we 
Advertisementcan implement these programs."

James Dickens of the DoA+/-a Ana County District Attorney's Office 
drug unit told the group there has been a rise in meth-related cases.

Dickens said the proximity to Mexico and two major highways passing 
through the county make the area a major route for meth.

The flow of meth through the area, Dickens said, make the drug cheap 
and accessible.

But if that flow of drugs is going to be stopped, law enforcement 
will need the public's help.

Lt. Frank Musitano of the New Mexico State Police narcotics section 
said that without public help, the war against meth can't be won.

"Let us be the generals, but we need you to be the soldiers," Musitano said.

Comments gathered at the meetings will be used to develop a strategy 
for another round of meetings at area schools in September and 
October, Pearce said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman