METH LABS, RAPES UP IN NORTH CAROLINA, ATTORNEY GENERAL SAYS

RALEIGH -- The number of methamphetamine production labs and reported rapes
have increased in the past year, according to statistics released this
morning from the state Attorney General's office.

Methamphetamine is a growing problem in the state. So far this year, state
agents have found 251 labs. This compares to the 322 labs that were shut
down last year and nine labs that were discovered in 1999 when the epidemic
first began in the state.

The General Assembly approved last week regulations that place popular cold
medicines containing ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, key ingredients in
making the illegal drug, behind a pharmacist's counter.

"We're pushing back against the criminals by aggressively shutting down the
labs and making it harder for the crooks to get the supplies they use to
cook this toxic drug," said Attorney General Roy Cooper. "Now we must
concentrate on fighting meth trafficking as well."

The number of reported rapes has increased in North Carolina by 7.5
percent. Sexual assault crimes are regularly underreported, according to
advocacy groups and law enforcement, so increases in the number could
reflect more accurate reporting as well as more assaults, Cooper said.

"Either way, the statistics are troubling," Cooper said.

Despite these trends the overall crime rate in the state decreased by 2.9
percent. However, there is an 8 percent spike in the city of Asheville and
a 2 percent decrease in Buncombe County.