LAWMAKERS TAKE ON THE METH LABS

Legislation targets all aspects of homemade drug's hazardous manufacture
and use.

They arrive on the scene decked out in chemical-resistant suits and boots.

They breathe through air-purification units to avoid inhaling noxious
odors. And they know that even the slightest mistake could cause a
devastating explosion.

They are specially trained members of the Indiana State Police clandestine
lab team, a group of about 40 chemists, detectives and drug investigators
that dismantles methamphetamine labs throughout the state.

"You can never tell what you're going to encounter when you're going into
one of these environments," said 1st Sgt. David Phelps, who heads the team.

Breaking down drug labs always has been dangerous, but as homemade
methamphetamine continues to spread through Indiana, police teams face
increased risks and mounting cleanup costs.

That's why state lawmakers worked closely with law enforcement officials to
produce House Bill 1892. The multifaceted legislation, sponsored by Rep.
Michael Dvorak, D-Granger, would increase penalties for methamphetamine
users and manufacturers to match those for crack cocaine and other illegal
narcotics.

It also would create penalties for transporting and storing the dangerous
chemicals used to make methamphetamine.

House lawmakers unanimously approved the bill in late February. A slightly
amended version passed the Senate on Thursday, also by a unanimous vote.
The measure now goes to a conference committee, which will work out the
final details.

Although the bill appears likely to become law, lawmakers clashed over a
provision that would allow judges to mandate community corrections and drug
treatment instead of prison time in some cases.

"I don't agree that someone should be able to bypass prison altogether
dealing narcotics at this level," said Sen. David Long, R-Fort Wayne.

But proponents of the bill say flexible sentencing would provide the
opportunity for rehabilitation and ease prison crowding. And Gov. Frank
O'Bannon has indicated he supports the bill.

Many supporters outside the Statehouse think tougher standards will send
the right message to methamphetamine users and manufacturers.

"When they start seeing people going down, they'll start thinking twice,"
said Connie Hines, drug educator for Washington Township Schools.

Methamphetamine -- also called meth, crank, ice or speed -- has become
increasingly popular in Indiana during the past decade. In 1995,
authorities statewide seized six meth labs; last year, they found 427. The
State Police already have busted 138 labs in 2001, a figure they expect
will surpass 600 by year's end.

A FAIRLY EASY PROCESS

Part of meth's appeal is the ease of producing it.

Using instructions available on the Internet, the drug can be made from
household products such as cold medicine, automobile starter fluid and
lithium batteries. The only component manufacturers must obtain illegally
is anhydrous ammonia, a fertilizer frequently stolen from farms.

When the ingredients are properly "cooked," they create a substance that
can be injected, smoked, snorted or taken orally to create a sense of
euphoria. The high can last from a few hours to several days.

While the recipe for meth is simple, police say most illicit lab operators
don't understand that the chemicals they're using are extremely dangerous.

Hailey Moss, a State Police forensic specialist, said anhydrous ammonia can
instantly freeze-burn skin and will destroy lung tissue if inhaled. The
highly unstable chemical must be stored in approved pressurized containers.

Under the proposed legislation, transporting or storing anhydrous ammonia
improperly would be a Class A misdemeanor; possession with intent to
produce meth would be a Class D felony. Farmers and businesses using the
chemical lawfully would be exempt from these penalties.

In addition to the dangers of anhydrous ammonia, Moss said lab
investigators must contend with ether -- a highly explosive solvent found
in starter fluid.

"A quart of ether can destroy two cars," Moss explained. "We've pulled up
to 10 gallons out of some residences."

The bill includes provisions that would permit police to present samples,
photographs and a written inventory of a lab as evidence in court, allowing
them to dispose of the most volatile chemicals collected at a meth lab.

"Police don't need to maintain that hazardous material in an evidence
locker," said Dvorak, the bill's sponsor.

In addition to protecting law enforcement officials, Dvorak said, the
legislation will let them arrest people who illegally dump meth waste,
which can become an added cleanup risk.

Some cases require the expertise of a certified cleanup company -- which is
costing the state thousands of dollars.

Phelps said that each time the State Police team uses an outside crew, it
costs from $1,000 to $9,000, depending on how much waste must be hauled away.

Improper disposal of chemical byproducts from making meth would be a Class
D felony under the legislation.

"So much of this stuff is so nasty, and you never know where you're going
to encounter it," Phelps said. "These are all tools that would help us."