GETTING TOUGHER ON METH

Let there be no mistake - the methamphetamine problem in Iowa continues to
grow.

Figures released last week about the record number of meth labs that were
shut down in the state in 2004 serve as evidence of that.

They also bolster the argument for tougher measures, which should include
making pseudoephedrine a Schedule V controlled substance, something Gov.
Tom Vilsack has proposed.

Iowa law enforcement officials seized more than 1,300 meth labs last year.
The previous record of 1,195 was set the previous year. While it's possible
that some of the increase is attributable to more effective law enforcement
practices, it appears clear that a disturbing trend that began some 10
years ago continues.

In November, Vilsack urged the Legislature to clamp down even more on
pseudoephedrine, a substance commonly found in cold medicines and the key
ingredient in making meth. Such reclassification would mean that
over-the-counter medicines containing the drug would be pulled out of
retail stores and become available only at pharmacies to buyers who show a
photo ID and sign a registry.

While we editorially have supported Vilsack's proposal, we also have
acknowledged that to increase the effectiveness of such a plan in a border
region such as this one, our neighbors in Nebraska and South Dakota need to
pass similar legislation.

At least one of them now is attempting to do that.

Nebraska Gov. Mike Johanns and Attorney General Jon Bruning have presented
a four-point proposal focused on meth. Their bill would restrict the sale
of products containing the tablet form of pseudoephedrine and also make
meth-related penalties tougher.

The proposal would require any product containing the starch tablet form of
pseudoephedrine to be sold by a pharmacy and stored behind the counter or
in a locked display case. Anyone purchasing such a product would be
required to show identification and sign a logbook as part of the purchase.

Johanns' proposal stops short of Vilsack's plan. Under the Johanns bill,
liquid and gelcap products containing pseudoephedrine would be excluded
from the restrictions. Vilsack's stronger proposal is the more effective
route, but we nonetheless applaud Johanns for a strong step in the right
direction. We encourage Nebraska lawmakers to, at a minimum, adopt his plan.

Gov. Mike Rounds told The Journal on Friday that he also plans to introduce
meth-related legislation this year but hasn't put his proposals in final
form. Our hope is Rounds takes an approach similar to Vilsack and Johanns
with respect to pseudoephedrine.

More uniform laws in Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota will strengthen
efforts to combat meth in each state and will particularly benefit a border
area such as ours.

After all, we're in this fight together.