DEADLY DRUGS

Chicago -- In its editorial on meth, the Tribune rightly points out
that cocaine and heroin are drug scourges in our community.

At the same time, the use of meth in this area is increasing at an
alarming rate.

In Cook County we are seeing three to five new meth dealer cases a
week coming through our criminal court system. We have every reason to
believe this is merely the tip of the iceberg. Chicago Police have
discovered fully operational meth labs in apartment buildings in
densely populated neighborhoods. People's lives are being destroyed as
this deadly drug creeps deeper and deeper into our community.

The challenge we face is compounded by the fact that we anticipate it
is only a matter of time before Chicago's street gangs discover that
meth presents a new market for them.

The bulk of the meth on the streets of Chicago is imported from Mexico
rather than locally made, which appears to be the practice in most
rural jurisdictions. This imported meth is simply another product
available to criminal enterprises, and they will eventually take
advantage of the opportunity.

Meth's impact on its users is swift and devastating. We must not only
tackle the problem from an enforcement perspective with resources for
investigation, prosecution and meth lab cleanup, but also from the
treatment side where meth users have special needs. Meth requires a
much more intensive treatment approach with longer follow-up than
other drugs.

The editorial points out that we should be vigilant to contain the
meth threat that is growing in our community. We agree.

Richard A. Devine

Cook County state's attorney