Pubdate: Sun, 21 Aug 2005
Source: Press Journal  (Vero Beach, FL)
Copyright: 2005, The E.W. Scripps Co.
Contact:  http://www1.tcpalm.com/tcp/press_journal/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2977
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

GALLAGHER PROPOSES TOUGHER LAWS ON METHAMPHETAMINES

TALLAHASSEE, Fla.- Chief Financial Officer Tom Gallagher will ask lawmakers 
to pass several proposals to find and punish and methamphetamine producers, 
he said Monday.

Gallagher, who serves as the state fire marshal, cited fires caused by meth 
"cooking" and the risk to firefighters because of chemicals in meth labs.

Among the ideas is the creation of a strike force comprised of 
representatives from the Gov.'s Office of Drug Control, the State Fire 
Marshal's Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, the Department 
of Health and the Department of Children & Families.

Gallagher, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor, 
called for felony charges against meth lab operators if a firefighter is 
killed or injured in responding to an emergency. Also, he wants people 
charged with producing methamphetamines held without bond while awaiting trial.

Property owners would also have to disclose to potential buyers or renters 
if a home or apartments was previously used to produce the drug. Gallagher 
also proposed using money seized from people convicted of making the drug 
to cleanup sites used to manufacture it.

Gallagher is seeking lawmakers willing to draft a bill to include the 
proposals.

"I'm laying out a comprehensive legislative agenda that I believe offers us 
our best chance to beat the spread of this drug before it grows totally out 
of control," Gallagher said.
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MAP posted-by: Beth