FEDS MUST FACE SCOURGE OF METH

It is a measure of the continuing failure of this nation's drug policy that
the federal government appears more interested in combating marijuana use
than in effectively addressing the far more dangerous scourge of
methamphetamine.

Abuse of this relatively cheap and easy-to-manufacture drug is having a
devastating impact in California (particularly up and down the valley), the
rural Midwest and Southwest, destroying lives and overwhelming local law
enforcement in a tide of theft and violence. If you doubt the impact of
meth in our community, check out the Butte County Methamphetamine Task
Force's new Web site, www.2stopmeth.org.

A majority of 500 local officials in 45 states say the growing meth craze
is the country's leading law enforcement problem, according to a survey
published last week by the National Association of Counties.

It is easy to see why. Methamphetamine is a synthetic drug that, at least
initially, gives users the feeling they can work long hours, maybe at two
or three jobs, and have enough energy left to care for children and to
party - all without having to waste time sleeping. Some misguided people
begin by using it as an appetite suppressant to lose weight.

The problem is that meth, which is extremely addictive, uses up its users,
physically and emotionally, and, in turn, is filling up jails with people
who rob and steal to get money for more, or who commit acts of violence,
often at home. Meth can be manufactured just about anywhere, with highly
flammable and toxic ingredients that pose a health and safety risk.

The counties contend, and we agree, that the Bush administration expends
too many of its drug-fighting resources on preventing marijuana use among
teenagers and gives too little attention to methamphetamine abuse by the
young and adults alike. The government's focus on terrorism and homeland
security has bled away money that local governments rely upon to combat the
largely home-grown meth problem.

The counties are seeking restoration of the $804 million federal Justice
Assistance Program that was aimed at coordinating and financing anti-drug
efforts between federal, state and local jurisdictions. Without that
assistance, cities and counties can be utterly overwhelmed by the
consequences of meth use and production.

It is clear this deadly plague has moved from a regional to a national
problem - one that demands a new set of priorities in federal drug-fighting
strategy.