Pubdate: Wed, 26 May 2004
Source: Star-News (NC)
Copyright: 2004 Wilmington Morning Star
Contact:  http://www.wilmingtonstar.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/500
Author: Steve Hartsoe, Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

PANEL OKS NEW METH PENALTIES

RALEIGH - Makers of methamphetamine would spend more time in prison
and face stiffer penalties when children are endangered under a bill
that a Senate judiciary committee approved Tuesday.

Production of the illicit drug has increased in recent years,
especially in the western part of the state. Attorney General Roy
Cooper and others in law enforcement have pushed for tougher penalties
for those who make it, saying punishment remains minimal.

Under existing law, conviction for manufacturing methamphetamine is on
par with growing a single marijuana plant, said Sheriff Mark Shook of
Watauga County, where meth labs are particularly abundant.

"There needs to be more of a deterrent," Sheriff Shook said after
Tuesday's hearing.

Because of the toxicity of meth labs, the bill also would require
state health workers to determine when a building used for meth
production could be occupied again.

Manufacturing the illegal drug creates hazardous fumes, including
ammonia, and can cause explosions. Twenty-seven police, fire and
rescue workers were injured last year due to exposure to meth labs,
state officials said.

Darien South, a firefighter in Watauga County, said he lost about half
his lung capacity and suffers from short-term memory loss after
breathing chemicals at a meth lab.

"There's not many things I can do anymore," he said.

The legislation would reclassify the penalty for manufacturing meth
from a Class H felony to a Class C felony, punishable by a maximum
prison sentence of about two years to 17 years. First-time offenders
can now receive community service.

"People are being arrested, they're just not being punished enough,"
said Sen. Walter Dalton, D-Rutherford, primary sponsor of the bill.

Aggravating factors could be added in cases where children are
endangered by a lab, resulting in tougher sentences. Mr. Cooper said
37 children were found near labs last year.

A manufacturer also could be convicted of second-degree murder if
someone overdoses on meth they made. Possession or distribution of
substances used for making the drug would change from a Class H felony
to a Class F felony, punishable by 10 months to almost five years in
prison.

Similar legislation has been introduced in the House.

Methamphetamine use and production has gradually spread eastward from
western states like California and Washington. The drug leaves users
paranoid, violent and is so addictive parents will starve their
children to support their habit, authorities say.

Labs can function in houses, mobile homes, motels and even cars,
officials said. Many substances used to make meth can be found in
stores, including cold tablets and brake fluid. Retailers are working
with state and local officials to monitor consumers who purchase large
amounts of the ingredients.

Mr. Cooper said officials in North Carolina discovered nine meth labs
in 1999. That number rose to 177 last year. As of Monday, 129 labs had
been found in the state this year.

"We're well on our way to doubling" last year's total, Mr. Cooper told
lawmakers.

Mr. Cooper wants lawmakers to include about $2 million in the 2004-05
budget for 42 State Bureau of Investigation workers dedicated to
combatting meth.

Gov. Mike Easley's budget proposal for 2004-05 includes $700,000 for
14 SBI workers focused on the drug. Another bill sponsored by Dalton
asks for $585,000 to pay for nine anti-meth workers and leased lab
space.

Implementing the stiffer penalties could cost the state up to an
estimated $2.5 million in new court and prison costs in fiscal 2005-06.

The bill is expected to go to the Senate floor. The laws would take
effect Dec. 1 if passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov.
Easley.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin