Pubdate: Sun, 30 Jan 2005
Source: Paris News (TX)
Copyright: 2005 Paris News
Contact:  http://www.theparisnews.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/997

METH PRODUCTION SPREADS THROUGH REGION

We have become keenly aware in recent years that the production, sale and
use of methamphetamine is rapidly increasing on both sides of the Red River.
There is a rural epidemic of meth use in this region that endangers the
lives of not only those who make and use the illegal drug but also the
lawmen working to curb it proliferation.

Last year, Oklahoma lawmakers addressed the problem in that state by
enacting legislation restricting the sale of pseudoephedrine, a key
ingredient in the manufacture of meth. However, that legislation prompted
manufacturers to either move their operations south or purchase
pseudoephedrine in Texas for meth labs still operating in Oklahoma.

What began as one story about the use of pseudoephedrine in meth labs has
prompted The Paris News to commission staff writers Mary Madewell and
Charles Richards to write a six-part series about this rural epidemic. We
direct our readers to Page 1, where Part 1 of the series is published today.

In the coming days, our reporters will address legislative efforts to curb
meth production and use, how Paris pharmacies are using self-imposed
regulations to reduce pseudoephedrine sales and thefts, and the dangers meth
labs pose. We also hope to offer a one-on-one interview with a recovering
meth user and take a close look at how lawmen are fighting the difficult
battle to contain meth production, sales and use.

Our hope is that we can educate our readers about the magnitude of the meth
problem in our community. Curbing meth use should not just be a concern for
lawmen and lawmakers, because this epidemic is a community problem that must
be addressed from numerous fronts.

Our hope is to close this series by suggesting in another editorial how the
entire community can play a role driving meth labs out of the Red River
Valley. 
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MAP posted-by: Josh