Pubdate: Fri, 12 May 2006
Source: York Weekly (NH)
Copyright: 2006 Seacoast Online
Contact:  http://www.seacoastonline.com/news/yorkweekly/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2234
Author: Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

NEW PENALTIES TO DEAL WITH METH PROBLEM

CONCORD - A bill that imposes tougher penalties on people convicted 
of making the drug methamphetamine was approved by lawmakers Thursday 
and is headed to Gov. John Lynch.

The bill sets a prison term of up to 30 years and a fine of up to 
$500,000, with even longer sentences for repeat offenders.

It also allows the court to order restitution be paid when officials 
or property owners have to clean up the toxic chemicals involved in 
the drug's manufacture.

The chemical stew required to produce the drug can explode and is 
highly toxic, endangering lives and costing thousands of dollars to clean.

The drug is highly addictive and can be made with ingredients 
commonly found at pharmacies and hardware stores, including 
over-the-counter cold medicine.

The bill includes additional penalties when those exposed to a meth 
lab suffer injuries as a result.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman