U.S. SENATE OKS MONEY TO FIGHT METH IN MISSOURI

The Southeast Missouri Crime Lab and the region's drug task force would
each receive $110,00 in federal money to combat methamphetamine crimes
under a bill approved by the U.S. Senate.

In all, the plan proposed by U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, D-Mo., would
distribute $1.1 million to drug task forces and crime labs in the state.

Final funding will be ironed out in a House-Senate conference committee.

"We can't allow meth to take over our communities and steal the potential
of so many young people," said U.S. Sen. Jean Carnahan, D- Mo.

Money for the Southeast Missouri Drug Task Force would be used for overtime
pay and expenses for 13 task force officers. The task force serves 14
counties in Southeast Missouri, including Cape Gir-ardeau, Scott, Perry and
Bollinger counties.

Money for the crime lab would be used for new drug analysis equipment and
to help in the relocation of the crime lab.

Dr. Robert Briner, director of the crime lab, welcomed the funding. But he
said it will be next year before the crime lab receives the money, assuming
that the appropriation wins final passage from Congress.