DEA LENDS ITS WEIGHT TO ANTI-METH STRUGGLE

The north state has a new weapon in the fight against methamphetamine
"super labs" that are creeping ever northward, Shasta County District
Attorney McGregor Scott said Tuesday.

Scott announced the opening of a Redding-based Drug Enforcement
Administration office Tuesday.

An undercover drug agent has been working for about three weeks with local
sheriffs, police and other agencies, and is expected to be joined within a
month by a second federal agent, he said.

Scott had a simple message for those who make and traffic meth in the north
state:

"Law enforcement is bringing more resources to bear against you and we will
continue to increase the pressure on you. Law enforcement in the north
state is committed to this fight against methamphetamine and we will not
back down," he said.

The Redding office is seeking a permanent location and officials hope to
increase its numbers to five agents, said Robert Dey, DEA agent in charge
of the Sacramento District. He will supervise the Redding agents, who will
use federal resources to focus on large-scale meth operations rather than
individual street sellers and makers, he said.

"We want to supplement and complement what is ongoing with other drug
agencies, not compete," Dey said.

Representatives from local agencies and Sen. Dianne Feinstein's office were
present at the district attorney's office to speak in support of the new unit.