PLENTY TO DISCUSS AT DRUG ROUNDTABLE

North Carolina officials say a new law that restricts the sale of some
cold medicines has reduced the number of methamphetamine labs, but not
enough to affect law enforcement's concern.

Meth is still a dangerous drug. It's possible meth makers and dealers
have gone farther underground.

Drug Czar John Walters is in Lenoir today to meet with area law
enforcement officials on anti-meth strategies. He's actually the
director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy.

He's expected to share federal expertise. Walters also wants
information from local authorities. The roundtable meeting will focus
on local assessment of methamphetamine.

On the surface, the meth problem seems to be less than before in our
area. But a drop in the number of meth labs uncovered and actual meth
use may not correspond. In other areas, meth lab busts are up.

Walters wants to know how local officials are dealing with meth. They
want to know how the White House can help. Addressing drug problems
requires personnel, training and money.

North Carolina officials say the cold medicine law isn't enough to
stamp out meth. If some areas have meth manufacture and distribution
on the run, they don't want the problem to reappear because of reduced
interdiction. Walters and area law enforcement leaders want to get
meth off the street. Even though the new law appears to have had an
impact, they'll still have plenty to talk about - including what to do
about demand.