PEARCE HOLDS METH FORUM

LAS CRUCES -- With law enforcement officers, city leaders and former
addicts in attendance, U.S. Rep. Steve Pearce made a stop in Las
Cruces Tuesday for a public meeting on the dangers of methamphetamine.

It was Pearce's fourth "listening session" in what will be a 17-stop,
two-week tour through the 2nd Congressional District to get the
community's input on how to best attack southern New Mexico's and the
country's problem with the drug.

Pearce said the meetings are part of his efforts to improve the lives
of families in the district, something he campaigned on when first
elected in 2002.

Tuesday's meeting at city hall council chambers focused on prevention
and awareness, with Pearce saying that while state laws have put
meth-producing labs out of business, labs south of the border are
increasing the drug's danger.

"The meth that is coming across the (Mexican) border is in a super
refined form -- 90 percent pure," Pearce said. "One time. One time
and you can be hooked.

Las Cruces Mayor Bill Mattiace told the congressman that as he has
become informed on the issue he has come to realize that to combat
the problem, agencies will need funding that "flows from the top."

"In all the investigation I've done, Congressman, I hear the word
shortage,'" Mattiace said. "I think what we need is m-o-n-e-y so we
Advertisementcan implement these programs."

James Dickens of the DoA+/-a Ana County District Attorney's Office
drug unit told the group there has been a rise in meth-related cases.

Dickens said the proximity to Mexico and two major highways passing
through the county make the area a major route for meth.

The flow of meth through the area, Dickens said, make the drug cheap
and accessible.

But if that flow of drugs is going to be stopped, law enforcement
will need the public's help.

Lt. Frank Musitano of the New Mexico State Police narcotics section
said that without public help, the war against meth can't be won.

"Let us be the generals, but we need you to be the soldiers," Musitano said.

Comments gathered at the meetings will be used to develop a strategy
for another round of meetings at area schools in September and
October, Pearce said.