METH PRODUCTION IS SHOWING A DECLINE

A report that counties and state agencies are seeing a noticeable decline
in methamphetamine production in Tennessee is welcome news for those who
are daily waging a war against this threat to our society.

Methamphetamine is a very addictive substance that threatens the lives of
users who suddenly find themselves hooked after one encounter with the
drug. Meth is also a significant danger to persons who by choice or
accident come in contact with the dangerous chemical mixtures produced in
illegal labs.

The Governor's office released a report showing a 39 percent decline in lab
seizures across the state since he signed the Meth-Free Act into law on
March 30. This is proof that new regulations limiting the sale of the
primary ingredient - pseudoephedrine - has crippled efforts for many
producers to secure the necessary ingredients.

Law enforcement officials who closely monitored the progress of this
legislation through the General Assembly believed Tennessee would see the
same results as other states after they adopted similar requirements.

With meth production being so widespread in Bradley County, I am glad to
see progress is now being made to rid our community of this dangerous
scourge. For the last two years, our drug enforcement unit through an
aggressive unified effort has claimed the top spot for lab seizures in the
state.

Lab seizures in Tennessee dropped in May from 134 last year to 82 this
year. Our Drug Enforcement Unit has also noted a decline in labs we are
finding in use.

By moving products that contain pseudoephedrine behind the counter in
pharmacies and banning sale by businesses that don't operate a pharmacy, we
have taken a giant step to stamp out methamphetamine abuse.

Georgia recently joined a growing list of states with restrictions on
pseudoephedrine, a move which should further complicate the availability of
this substance for illegal purposes.

If you need assistance regarding a drug problem, contact our Drug
Enforcement Unit at 728-7336.