COUNTIES SAY METH IS TOP DRUG THREAT

WASHINGTON - Methamphetamine is a bigger problem than cocaine,
marijuana or heroin for most communities, according to a survey of
law enforcement agencies in 500 counties in 45 states by the National
Association of Counties.

The survey, to be released today by the national group that
represents county commissioners, supervisors and other top county
officials, finds that methamphetamine is:

. The No. 1 illegal drug problem in the view of law enforcement
agencies in 58% of the counties surveyed. Fewer than 20% see pot as
the top problem.

. Behind an increase in other crimes. Agencies in 70% of the counties
said the drug is driving up the number of robberies and burglaries.

. Seen as the top drug problem in every area of the country except
the Northeast. There, law enforcement agencies consider heroin the
No. 1 problem, ahead of pot, methamphetamine and cocaine.

Meth, as it is called, is a form of speed that is usually smoked or
injected. It can be quickly and highly addictive.

Methamphetamine can be made from basic ingredients, particularly cold
medicines that contain pseudoephedrine and fertilizer made with
anhydrous ammonia.

The survey highlights a difference between what many local officials
say is the biggest drug problem and where the federal government has
targeted its prevention and eradication efforts.

"On the national level, the federal government still considers
marijuana as the No. 1 drug problem in America, but county law
enforcement officials have a different perspective on this ranking,"
the association says in its survey.

Congress is considering restricting the nationwide sale of products
that contain the drug pseudoephedrine.

David Murray, a policy analyst for the Office of National Drug
Control Policy, says the Bush administration is developing a national
response to the meth problem.

However, he says, the administration cannot neglect other drugs in the process.

Federal agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, are
working to disrupt the supply of chemicals needed to make
methamphetamine and stop the smugglers who carry it from Mexico and
Canada, Murray says.

He says marijuana remains a top priority because it is the most
commonly used illegal drug, with 15 million users, compared with
about 1 million meth users.

"We do have to keep all drug threats in context, which means you
cannot ignore marijuana," he says.