Pubdate: Thu, 08 Oct 1998 Source: Des Moines Register (IA) Contact: http://www.dmregister.com/ Copyright: 1998, The Des Moines Register. Author: David Yepsen STATE'S GOP LEADERS OFFER PROGRAM FOR BATTLING METH Top Iowa Republicans outlined Wednesday a six-point plan to crack down on methamphetamine manufacture and sale in the state. Jim Ross Lightfoot, the GOP candidate for governor, and Republican legislative leaders said the plan will strengthen law enforcement and prosecution efforts. They said they want to spend $1.2 million to hire 12 new drug agents; spend $60,000 for two new mobile drug vans to help the single van now available to authorities; and spend about $30,000 for three new dog teams trained to sniff out drugs. Also, the Republicans called for adding 10 new area prosecutors in the attorney general's office to help local officials prosecute meth makers and dealers. There are 13 prosecutors doing that work now, they said. The final part of the Republican plan calls for tougher penalties for stealing anhydrous ammonia. The fertilizer product can be used as an ingredient in manufacturing meth, and the GOP wants to increase the penalty for theft from a simple misdemeanor to a serious misdemeanor punishable by a $1,500 fine or a year in jail. The GOP stopped short of calling for tougher penalties for other meth-related crimes. The leaders said that they're open to the idea but that they've already boosted meth-related penalties in Iowa and it may be more effective to focus on other areas. - --- Checked-by: Patrick Henry