The Idaho Meth Project today begins broadcasting television ads in its much-anticipated anti-meth campaign, according to an e-mail from Ross Mason, a Boise-based regional director for the group.

The campaign, targeted at viewers age 12 to 17, is based on a project t credited for drastically reducing meth use in Montana. Organizers here hope similar ads will curb the number of Idaho teens who try meth for the first time.

Montana began its program of often graphic TV, newspaper, radio and billboard ads in 2005, when it ranked fifth nationally in meth abuse, according to the group's Web site, which cites a federal report. A year later, Montana ranked 39.

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