LAWMAKERS TARGET METH MAKERS

Indiana lawmakers want to head off a growing methamphetamine problem
by approving measures to stiffen criminal penalties and keep tighter
controls on components of the drug.

Methamphetamine -- a synthetic stimulant that can be brewed from
over-the-counter cold medicines and other household chemicals -- has
been part of Indiana's illicit-drug culture for years.

But only recently has its manufacture and use become a dangerous
problem for law-enforcement agencies.

The drug has generally been more prevalent in the southern part of
the state, but it has steadily spread throughout the state.

Last month, Kokomo police, Howard County sheriff deputies and state
police located and seized one of the dangerous clandestine labs in
eastern Kokomo and say they expect more to come. The lab was located
at 1100 S. Emery St., as a result of an uncover investigation by
state police and the Howard County Drug Task Force. The resident of
the home, Robert W. Hulsey, 45, faces charges of possessing and
dealing methamphetamine.

"It's sad news for our community," Kokomo Police Capt. Michael
Holsapple said following the Nov. 24 find. "And this is probably not
the last."

Indiana State Police dismantled just four meth labs in 1994. By 1998,
that number had increased to 48. So far this year, it has jumped to
310, said Eric Lawrence, director of forensic analysis for the state
police.

Rep. Mike Dvorak, D-Granger, chairman of the House Courts and
Criminal Code Committee, will introduce a bill in the upcoming
legislative session to stiffen the penalties for meth-related
offenses. Some other lawmakers plan to do the same.

"I've met with several local law enforcement officials and what they
want is the tools to help them fight this battle and hopefully win
this battle," said Rep. Jonathan Weinzapfel, D-Evansville.

State Rep. Ron Herrell, D-Kokomo, said he would support legislation
that would stiffen the penalties and make it easier for law
enforcement to deal with the problem.

"I haven't seen the bill, but I certainly would support any measure
that would help us deal with this problem," Herrell told the Tribune
Friday afternoon.

Economics apparently is behind the drug's surge in popularity. Meth
- -- also known as speed, crank or ice on the street -- can be made and
sold for 10 times the cost of its components.

"It's a tough problem, but we've got to stop the flow of these drugs,
and the best way to do it is to get drug manufacturers off the
street," said Rep. Brian Hasler, D-Evansville.

Dvorak tried to pass a bill during the Legislature's last session.

"It appears we'll get something done this year (in 2001), with the
number of lawmakers expressing interest in it," Dvorak said.

Each proposed bill varies slightly. Dvorak expects many of the
measures will be combined into one package during committee hearings.

Dvorak wants to increase prison sentences, but he's also supporting a
campaign to educate people about the drug's hazards.

Weinzapfel has suggested a new felony offense for unlawful possession
of a key meth ingredient, anhydrous ammonia, if it's not in a
certified container.

The ammonia is a common fertilizer used in agriculture. Weinzapfel
said farmers support his proposal because drug makers often steal the
chemical from them.

He plans to seek funding to develop a neutralizing agent that would
make the ammonia useless to meth manufacturers.

Lawmakers and police consider the drug as dangerous to users as
cocaine. But they are also concerned because the homemade labs used
to brew the drug are explosive and toxic.

"It's gone beyond the scope of just trafficking in narcotics," said
Sgt. Mike Lauderdale of the Evansville Police Department. "This is a
public safety issue."