[Flanders]

Here's an article about the anti-meth legislation in Oklahoma that was discussed earlier. Seems pretty interesting and successful if the results are accurate.

Anti-Meth Legislation Crops Up Across US

Legislation intended to help law enforcement crack down on methamphetamine production is being introduced in many US states. The Los Angeles Times reported on Jan. 10, 2005 ( "States Battling Meth May Put Controls On Cold Pills") that "Over-the-counter cold pills may be removed from store shelves across much of the Southwest and Midwest this year as officials struggle to crack down on methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant that can be brewed from decongestants and other common household items. At least 20 states are considering tight restrictions on access to Sudafed, NyQuil, Claritin-D, Tylenol Flu and hundreds of other cold, allergy and sinus remedies that contain pseudoephedrine. Details vary, but in many states only pharmacists or their assistants would be allowed to dispense the medicines."

The laws are essentially based on a piece of legislation passed in Oklahoma in 2004. The Oklahoman newspaper reported on Jan. 17, 2005 ( "Officials Praise Anti-Meth Law") that "More than 20 other states are considering restricting over-the-counter cold and allergy medicine sales, according to the National Association of State Legislatures. Oregon passed a similar law last year, citing Oklahoma's success. Kansas is debating a measure. Gov. Brad Henry has written to the governors of the other states, encouraging them to adopt similar laws. 'The case I made to them was simple: The more states that restrict pseudoephedrine sales, the more difficult it will be for methamphetamine producers and dealers to operate,' Henry said. 'I'm thrilled that so many states have responded and followed our lead. These laws will help curb the meth trade and save lives.'"

According to the Oklahoman, "A state law passed last year that restricts the sale of pseudoephedrine already has saved the state more than a million dollars, law enforcement officials say. John Duncan, chief agent with the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, estimates one meth lab has a $350,000 impact on the state. 'That is a very conservative estimate,' Duncan said. 'There are a lot of unknown costs that we can't estimate such as the costs to families and schools. Health costs that stem from illnesses caused by the dangerous chemicals found at meth labs, meth use or the effect of meth on unborn children is probably huge. We just don't know how much it's really costing us.' Oklahoma's new law, which took effect in April, is credited for cutting the number of methamphetamine labs by 50 percent to 70 percent. The law restricts the sale of the tablet form of pseudoephedrine to pharmacies."

It should be pointed out that it is very difficult to measure the extent of an illegal activity such as methamphetamine production. Assertions of success by OK officials are based on arrests and lab busts, according to the Oklahoman: "Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics spokesman Mark Woodward said the state has had 581 fewer meth lab busts since the measure was adopted. Meth lab busts in Tulsa decreased from 212 in November and December 2003 to 131 in November and December 2004. Oklahoma City had a similar decline, going from an average 14.5 lab busts a month to an average of five a month, Woodward said."

Indeed, even drug war zealots such as 'Drug Czar' John Walters are at least publicly skeptical of OK's claims of success: "John P. Walters, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, said Oklahoma was not the only state to report a big drop in meth lab raids. A dozen others had "substantial declines" last year, he told the Associated Press. 'There is promise in ( tight controls ), and if states want to do it, they're free to do it,' Walters said. 'But we're trying to make sure we're not blinded by Oklahoma's results to the point where we say this is it, nothing else works.' Critics of the Oklahoma law say addicts still can buy meth imported from Mexico and southern California. 'It's true that the majority of meth in the United States doesn't come from these small labs,' Woodward said."

According to the Oklahoman, "'I would like to see all 50 states adopt similar statutes,' Henry said. 'I also intend to push the U.S. Congress to consider a federal law that would set the standard nationally. The meth epidemic is a national problem that must be addressed.'"

Gov. Henry may find a west-coast ally on Capitol Hill: Sen. Maria Cantwell, D-WA. The Oregonian reported on Jan. 24, 2005 ( "Cantwell Set To Unveil Meth-Fighting Measure") that "Today in Congress, Cantwell expects to introduce the Confronting Methamphetamine Act of 2005 to combat the problem. Cantwell, who met Friday with local law enforcement leaders, said the bill would authorize $100 million a year for the next two years and $200 million a year afterward through 2010 to help: Arrest and prosecute meth producers. Assist in child and family services. Hire and train officers."