METH LAB SEIZURES DOWN IN TENNESSEE

Methamphetamine lab seizures in Tennessee are down 39 percent from a year
ago, with state officials attributing that to a new law designed to make it
harder to make the illicit drug.

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, there were 82 lab
seizures in May compared to 134 during the same period last year. May was
the first full month in which the Meth-Free Tennessee Act was in effect.

Gov. Phil Bredesen signed the legislation into law in March. The law
stiffens the penalties for making meth and requires pharmacies to move cold
and sinus products containing pseudoephedrine, behind the counter.

Pseudoephedrine, a decongestant, is an ingredient used to make the drug.
Methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant often called "speed" or
"crystal." The drug can be taken orally, injected, snorted or smoked.

The law was the product of recommendations made by the Governor's Task
Force on Methamphetamine Abuse.