NEW PENALTIES TO DEAL WITH METH PROBLEM

CONCORD - A bill that imposes tougher penalties on people convicted
of making the drug methamphetamine was approved by lawmakers Thursday
and is headed to Gov. John Lynch.

The bill sets a prison term of up to 30 years and a fine of up to
$500,000, with even longer sentences for repeat offenders.

It also allows the court to order restitution be paid when officials
or property owners have to clean up the toxic chemicals involved in
the drug's manufacture.

The chemical stew required to produce the drug can explode and is
highly toxic, endangering lives and costing thousands of dollars to clean.

The drug is highly addictive and can be made with ingredients
commonly found at pharmacies and hardware stores, including
over-the-counter cold medicine.

The bill includes additional penalties when those exposed to a meth
lab suffer injuries as a result.