Pubdate: Thu, 22 Apr 2010 Source: New York Times (NY) Copyright: 2010 The New York Times Company Contact: http://www.nytimes.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/298 Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v10/n285/a04.html Author: Ron Wyden CURBING METH PRODUCTION To the Editor: "With Cars as Meth Labs, Evidence Litters Roads" (news article, April 15) did an excellent job of illustrating the difficult job law enforcement officials face in combating illegal methamphetamine use and production. While you correctly point out that meth production is growing throughout most of the country, I would like to point out that Oregon is seeing dramatic results in its war on the illegal substance. Oregon's law enforcement officials credit their success to a 2006 law that requires a prescription to buy pseudoephedrine, the key ingredient needed to manufacture meth. Before the law was established, more than 500 meth labs a year were found in Oregon. Last year, there were only 10. There has been bipartisan support for duplicating Oregon's success in other states. Gov. Haley Barbour, for example, signed into law a similar prescription requirement for the state of Mississippi earlier this year. But as we continue to see meth trafficked across state borders, I believe that the country and Oregonians will benefit by taking Oregon's law national. As you correctly point out, the health and safety risks associated with meth use and production are far too great to ignore. Ron Wyden U.S. Senator from Oregon Washington - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake