JACKSON - Bills have passed to limit the sale of what is considered the main ingredient in crystal methamphetamine. On Thursday, the House passed two separate bills that would limit the sale of pseudoephedrine-based drugs and ephedrine-based drugs. The Senate passed similar legislation earlier this week. The drugs are used in various types of sinus medication, such as the brand-name Sudafed. It is also the primary ingredient in crystal meth, a home-made drug that narcotics agents say is highly addictive and now the No. 1 drug problem in Mississippi, especially in Northeast Mississippi. [continues 353 words]
JACKSON - The Department of Corrections will run out of money to pay for housing inmates in private and county-owned regional prisons early next year unless, its commissioner said, the Legislature passes a deficit appropriation for the agency during the 2004 session. Corrections Commissioner Chris Epps told members of the Legislative Budget Committee on Tuesday that his agency faces a $67.5 million deficit. But unlike other instances in recent years when agency heads have appeared before the Budget Committee requesting deficit funding, there was no criticism of Epps by members of the committee. [continues 409 words]
Manufacturing Of Drug With Children Near Could Result In Enhanced Penalties Under House Bill. JACKSON - Mississippi would be the first state in the country to subject people convicted of breaking the crystal methamphetamine laws in the presence of children to enhanced penalties. Crystal methamphetamine is a strong stimulant that has become popular because it is relatively inexpensive to make with ingredients bought at drug stores and even at agriculture supply stores. The drug has become particularly popular among rural whites, according to a recent article in the New York Times. [continues 297 words]
