BERMAN HONORED FOR LEGISLATION THAT LIMITS METH MANUFACTURE

State Rep. Leo Berman was honored Thursday as part of National
Methamphetamine Awareness Day, an observation designed to stress drug
prevention, education and treatment.

Berman led the charge to pass HB 164 in August, which requires
retailers to remove medications used in the manufacture of
methamphetamine from the shelves and place them behind the pharmacy counter.

Officials from the Eastern District U.S. Attorney's Office, Drug
Enforcement Administration, FBI and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives paused to acknowledge the representative's efforts.

"There was a problem with the cold pills being readily available,"
said Mary Ann Cozby, assistant U.S. attorney. "Today, they are behind
the counter and locked up - we appreciate Leo Berman's diligence."

As part of the new legislation, people may purchase certain
medications only in limited quantities after registering their
identification with the pharmacy.

DEA agent Richard Sanders said meth production creates a multitude of
problems and risks for law enforcement, families and communities.
Chemicals used to create the drugs are hazardous, explosive and
costly to remediate.

In 2005, 33 labs were discovered, Sanders said, adding, "To clean up,
that cost taxpayers $150,000. In 2006, there have been 13 labs,
costing $58,000."

Authorities attributed the reduction to tighter restrictions on purchasing.

Berman said he was approached about three years ago by federal
officials to push for change.

And even though there is legislation in place to address the problem,
there's still work to do, he said.

"I'd like to go to an electronic system," he said. "Right now all the
purchasing logs are on paper. I'd like there to be a centralized Web
site so law enforcement can see who is purchasing" the items.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Alan R. Jackson presented Berman with a
resolution, acknowledging the positive outcome of the bill.

"HB 164 has resulted in a significant, measurable reduction in the
prevalence of illicit methamphetamine labs in the East Texas area," he said.

In a written statement, U.S. Attorney Matthew D. Orwig, who was out
of town on business, said increased awareness of the problem will be
critical in addressing it.

"Events like this are so important because they bring the facts to
the public," he said. "Meth is a powerful poison. It kills the user
while destroying the family and environment."

Additional information about the harmful effects of the drug can be
obtained at USDOJ.