NEW STATE LAW TO STRENGTHEN WAR ON DRUGS

Holden Signs Bill Dealing With Ecstasy, Date-Rape Drug And Meth Ingredients

Local law enforcement officers applauded legislation signed into law Monday
by Gov. Bob Holden that would treat those possessing the drug ecstasy in
the same way as those carrying cocaine or heroin.

The law makes the crime of possessing more than 450 grams of ecstasy a
felony punishable by 20 years to life in prison.

The penalty is similar to those currently on the books for drugs such as
heroin or cocaine.

The drug ecstasy became popular about five years ago among young partygoers
on the East and West coasts, and has since spread across the country. The
drug produces a short-lived feeling of euphoria and relaxation, a lowering
of inhibitions and an energy burst.

"We have always felt strict sentencing on drug dealing would help our fight
against drugs," said Springfield Police spokesman Officer Kirk Manlove.

He said ecstasy use in the area has increased dramatically in the past two
years.

"Prior to 2000, we rarely saw ecstasy in the Springfield area," Manlove said.

Captain Matt Leonard of the Christian County Sheriff's Department said he
hasn't seen a lot of ecstacy use in the county, but that "like everything
else, it will make its way here."

Cpl. Dan Nash of the Missouri Highway Patrol said ecstasy is just as
harmful as cocaine or heroin, and may even be worse since it is mainly used
by teens and young adults.

"I think it's just as destructive or more destructive because ... this drug
is hitting the youth," he said. "Its popularity is really among the high
school and college crowds."

While selling and possessing the drug ecstasy is currently illegal in
Missouri, prosecutors can only file charges of possession with intent to
distribute, a lesser crime.

"By tightening the laws on these drugs that seem to be becoming more
popular among users all the time, it should help us get a handle on the
spread of these dangerous substances," Holden said.

The National Institute on Drug abuse has found that the drug causes
permanent changes in brain chemistry and can cause severe dehydration and
depression after the drug wears off. The drug can raise a person's body
temperature to 108 degrees.

Also included in the bill is a provision that makes the drug GHB - the
so-called "date-rape" drug - a controlled substance, which means its sale
or possession is prohibited by Missouri law.

Nash said that although GHB isn't prevalent in the area, the new law will
give police extra tools in the war on drugs.

The drug previously was illegal to produce, but legal to possess, he said.

Rep. Cathy Jolly and Sen. Harry Wiggins, both Kansas City Democrats,
sponsored the legislation.

The legislation also targets drugs used in the manufacture of
methamphetamine, a highly addictive drug that can be made from common
household items including cold medicines and cleaners.

"This drug and its precursors are dangerous, and the more we can do to
control their availability and use, the easier it will be to help stop the
destruction this drug is causing," Holden said.

Under the bill, delivery or possession of 24 grams or more of ephedrine or
pseudoephedrine is evidence of both intent to deliver drug paraphernalia
and intent to manufacture methamphetamine, both felonies.

The substances are found in common cold medicines, and the bill prohibits
the sale of more than three packages that contain any methamphetamine
precursor drug in any single transaction. It also prohibits the sale of any
package of any methamphetamine precursor drug that contains more than three
grams per package.

All nonliquid products must be in blister packs containing no more than two
doses, or in single unit dose packets or pouches.

Nash said the new law will make it easier to prosecute people who are
suspected of using the chemicals to produce meth.

Previously, police had to prove that those found with large quantities of
ephedrine and pseudoephedrine were going to use it for meth production.
Usually, other chemicals or paraphernalia also had to be found.

Nash said he's had to let between 10 and 15 people go with large quantities
of the drug because he couldn't prove they were going to make meth.

"We knew they were taking them and going to cook dope with it," he said.

Just hours after Holden signed the bill, police in St. Louis shot a man who
attempted, along with three others, to buy large quantities of cold
medicine containing ephedrine. St. Louis police said the victim is in
serious but stable condition.

Wiggins, who sponsored major anti-methamphetamine legislation two years
ago, said this year's bill is another step in a long effort to stem the
drug trade in Missouri.

"We've got these drugs all over, so we just have to keep plugging away and
keep at it," Wiggins said.

The law takes effect Aug. 28.