Meth Cleanup Bill Passes House
On December 13, the Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act of 2005 (HR 798) was passed the House by voice vote. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency to establish cleanup standards for former meth lab sites. The NACo supported bi-partisan bill is sponsored by Representatives Bart Gordon (D-Tenn.), and Ken Calvert (R-Calif.). Senators Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) and Max Baucus (D-Mont.) recently introduced companion legislation in the Senate (S. 2019).
Methamphetamine Abuse, Treatment Growing Focus Locally, Nationwide
The Indianapolis Star on Feb. 20 published two stories addressing the use of methamphetamine abuse in the state. Summaries appear below.
- "Addiction Recovery Program Is Designed for Meth Users": The Samaritan Center in Vincennes, Ind., is believed to be the state's first recovery program designed specifically to address meth abuse, according to Terry Jenkins, who developed the program. Meth users who are arrested often are transferred to the center after serving prison sentences. Participants receive six weeks of general therapy, followed by meth-specific therapy that focuses on decision-making skills. However, some law enforcement officials say they have seen little evidence that meth addicts can successfully recover (McFeely [1], Indianapolis Star, 2/20). The article is available at http://www.indystar.com/articles/1/223749-8651-009.html.
- "If There Is a Devil Out There, This Is It": The article examines the growing prevalence of meth abuse in Indiana and nationwide. According to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, 15,994 meth labs were found to be producing the drug in 2004, with the highest prevalence in the Midwest. Those most affected by meth tend to be white residents of small, rural communities who often have children and can make meth with readily available ingredients, according to officials. Federal and state officials are responding to the growing problem by increasing spending on law enforcement, and lawmakers are introducing legislation to limit sales of certain cold medicines used to make meth (McFeely [2], Indianapolis Star, 2/20). The article is available at http://www.indystar.com/articles/7/223773-3337-009.html.
Summit County, Ohio, Pharmacists Work To End Meth Production
Pharmacists in the Summit County, Ohio, area have begun to work to restrict sales of over-the-counter medications that contain ingredients used in the production of methamphetamine, as county officials consider a measure to place new regulations on such sales. The number of meth laboratories found by county law enforcement officials has doubled annually over the past four years, and county officials hope a measure to move medications that contain pseudoephedrine and phenylpropanolamine behind the counter would help address the issue. The measure would require customers to sign for such medications and would limit the quantity that they could purchase. According to supporters, the measure would strengthen efforts by pharmacy chains, such as Walgreen and Wal-Mart, to restrict sales of such products. However, Ernest Boyd, executive director of the Ohio Pharmacists Association, said the measure would unnecessarily increase the duties of pharmacists at a time when Ohio faces a shortage (Abraham, Akron Beacon Journal, 2/5). The Akron Beacon Journal article is available at http://www.ohio.com/mld/beaconjournal/news/local/10824797.htm.
Kentucky Bill Seeks To Limit Sales of Ingredients Used in Meth Manufacturing
The Kentucky Senate Judiciary Committee last week unanimously approved a bill that would regulate sales of ingredients commonly used in the production of methamphetamine. The bill would require consumers to obtain prescriptions for dietary supplements that contain ephedra (Mayse, Owensboro Messenger-Inquirer, 2/8). In addition, the legislation would require consumers to present a government photo identification and sign a log at the pharmacy when purchasing products that contain ephedra. Sales of such products would be restricted to nine grams per person per month -- the equivalent of about 300 30-milligram Sudafed pills. The bill also includes measures to strengthen an existing law used to prosecute meth manufacturers, make it illegal to manufacture meth in the presence of children and make meth manufacturers liable for cleaning up their labs (Yetter, Louisville Courier-Journal, 2/3). The Louisville Courier-Journal article is available at http://www.courier-journal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/
article?AID=/20050203/NEWS0101/502030402&SearchID=73198755547023.
Even More Articles
Feds Needed to Fight Meth Use (PDF 482 KB) - The Cincinnati Enquirer
America's Most Dangerous Drug - Newsweek
Meth Lab Found In Blue Ash, Police Say - ChannelCincinnati.com
Meth: A coming storm? - The Ironton Tribune
Ky. law on cold, allergy medicines 'a pain' - Cincinnati Enquirer
Meth Trafficking Suspect Arrested In Clermont County - Cincinnati Enquirer
February 26: Meth Busts Investigation - Cincinnati Enquirer
Union Twp. police: Mobile meth lab found in van behind bar - Cincinnati Enquirer
49 meth labs uncovered - Cincinnati Enquirer
Home Cooked High Part 1 - PDF - Community Journal, Clermont
Home Cooked High Part 2 - PDF
Home Cooked High Part 3 - PDF
Clermont County Sheriff Press Release - Clermont County Sheriff's Office
Children Of Meth Suspects Often Overlooked Victims - ChannelCincinnati.com
Four indicted after meth investigation - Cincinnati Enquirer
Meth Ring Busted, Investigators Say - WKRC.com