COUNTIES CALL METH TOP DRUG PROBLEM

Neither cocaine, marijuana nor heroin represents the greatest drug
problem in U.S. counties -- methamphetamine, or meth, is more
menacing than all three combined, the National Association of
Counties (NACo) reports. In its most recent survey detailing the
effects of meth abuse on counties, NACo results indicate once again
that meth is the most powerful drug problem in U.S. communities. At a
press conference yesterday at the National Press Club, NACo released
its fifth survey in the past two years on the problem of methamphetamine abuse.

The latest survey focused on the criminal effects of meth and the
significance of anti-meth legislation. "The results from this year
are similar to last year's survey: Meth is still the No. 1 problem in
our counties," said Bill Hansell, commissioner of NACo. "We need a
comprehensive strategy that will deal with all the aspects of meth abuse.

It is ruining lives, families and the environment." Larry Naake,
executive director of NACo, said nearly 50 percent of counties that
were surveyed reported that one in five inmates in their jails are
incarcerated because of meth abuse.

Another 20 percent reported that the number is closer to one in two.
Sheriff-Coroner J. Patrick Hedges of San Luis Obispo County, Calif.,
noted the drug's costs to society. "Meth has unintentional victims.

My squad found a van once that had a meth lab in the back. The car
seat inside that held an 11-month child tested positive for meth,"
Sheriff Hedges said. "Chemicals used to make meth are dumped over
bridges and thrown onto streets." The survey shows that restrictions
on the sale of pseudoephedrine -- a key ingredient in the production
of meth -- and other legislative moves have helped reduce the number
of meth labs. Pseudoephedrine often is found in decongestants such as
Sudafed or Claritin-D. Many states have required that these common
products be kept behind the counter in stores and pharmacies. Federal
law limits the sale of cold medications containing pseudoephedrine to
no more than three packages per day to any one person. However, NACo
said the regulatory moves have contributed to the rise of meth
importation from the international market, particularly Mexico. As a
result, costs associated with meth manufacture and distribution have
risen, likely fueling an increase in criminal activities. Despite
these consequences, Mr. Hansell said, "By restricting
pseudoephedrine, you can help in shutting down the labs in counties.

This reduces the amount of children that are unintentionally exposed
to meth and also reduces the environmental costs."