N.C. SHOULD LEARN LESSON FROM OKLAHOMA

In her March 23 letter, SBI Director Robin Pendergraft is correct that
restricting sales of over-the-counter decongestants, particularly
pseudoephedrine, helps curtail the small "mom and pop" methamphetamine labs
now afflicting western Noth Carolina.

Pendergraft provides evidence from Oklahoma where recently enacted
restrictions caused a sharp, sustained decline in meth lab seizures. Other
states are following suit.

Truthfulness compels the entire story be told, though unfavorable to the
criminal justice agenda. Oklahoma's step was less inspiration than a
desperation measure to relieve worsening fiscal pressure caused by meth
offenders crowding state prisons.

Tough enforcement and harsh penalties notwithstanding, meth labs ran
rampant in Oklahoma for a decade. While politically popular, the
stereotypical "tough-on-drugs" approach failed to abate meth labs and
consumed public resources needed elsewhere. The decision to restrict
pseudoephedrine can be viewed as a remedy for this mistake. North Carolina
should consider limits on decongestant sales appropriate for the severity
and scope of our problem. More importantly, let's look at all the evidence
and avoid Oklahoma's errors.

METT AUSLEY JR.

Lake Waccamaw