STATE'S GOP LEADERS OFFER PROGRAM FOR BATTLING METH

Top Iowa Republicans outlined Wednesday a six-point plan to crack down
on methamphetamine manufacture and sale in the state.

Jim Ross Lightfoot, the GOP candidate for governor, and Republican
legislative leaders said the plan will strengthen law enforcement and
prosecution efforts.

They said they want to spend $1.2 million to hire 12 new drug agents;
spend $60,000 for two new mobile drug vans to help the single van now
available to authorities; and spend about $30,000 for three new dog
teams trained to sniff out drugs.

Also, the Republicans called for adding 10 new area prosecutors in the
attorney general's office to help local officials prosecute meth
makers and dealers. There are 13 prosecutors doing that work now, they
said.

The final part of the Republican plan calls for tougher penalties for
stealing anhydrous ammonia. The fertilizer product can be used as an
ingredient in manufacturing meth, and the GOP wants to increase the
penalty for theft from a simple misdemeanor to a serious misdemeanor
punishable by a $1,500 fine or a year in jail.

The GOP stopped short of calling for tougher penalties for other
meth-related crimes. The leaders said that they're open to the idea
but that they've already boosted meth-related penalties in Iowa and it
may be more effective to focus on other areas.

Checked-by: Patrick Henry