The New York State Senate has passed three laws meant to help in the battle against methamphetamine.

According to New York State Sen. Thomas Libous the laws make it a felony to operate a methamphetamine lab in a residential neighborhood, impose stronger penalties for those who are found with the precursors to the drug, and make it harder to get those items. He said the laws will make it much easier to prosecute criminals attempting to manufacture the drug.

"We can't shut them down unless we toughen up the laws," Libous said.

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