Pubdate: Wed, 28 Sep 2005
Source: Columbian, The (WA)
Copyright: 2005 The Columbian Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.columbian.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/92
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/opinion.htm (Opinion)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

TARGETING METH

If little or no progress is made in the next few years in conquering
the methamphetamines scourge that is ravaging America, it won't be for
lack of trying in the Pacific Northwest. The meth-addiction problem is
understood and powerful tactics are emerging on three levels.

In Congress, U.S. Rep. Brian Baird, D-Vancouver and co-founder of the
House Meth Caucus, helped draft a bill that was introduced last week.
The Methamphetamine Epidemic Elimination Act, with 32 co-sponsors, has
four provisions that warrant approval. It would limit the amount of
pseudoephedrine or ephedrine a person could purchase at one time to
3.6 grams; restrict and monitor importation of other chemicals used to
make meth; boost enforcement of environmental laws against meth cooks
who pollute the environment by requiring them to pay restitution for
cleanup costs; and require importers of meth precursor chemicals to
disclose details about the chain of distribution.

As Kathie Durbin reported in Friday's Columbian, the bill also would
authorize a closer relationship with Mexico in blocking meth imports
and trafficking. The Meth Caucus will discuss the bill in a meeting
today with officials from the State Department, Drug Enforcement
Administration, Office of National Drug Control Policy and Department
of Homeland Security.

At the state level, Attorney General Rob McKenna has launched his
"Operation: Allied Against Meth," a task force that will hold its second
meeting Thursday at the state Capitol. The task force is to make
recommendations in the meth-related areas off reducing demand, criminal
sanctions and environmental cleanup and governance.

At the local level, a recovery form "Living Meth Free: Healing Lives,
Families and Our Community" will be from 6 to 9 this evening at
Southwest Washington Medical Center's Health Education Center on
Northeast 92nd Avenue, north of Mill Plain Boulevard.

Whether in Washington, D.C., Olympia or Vancouver, the meth-addiction
problem deserves a high priority. 
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake