DRUGS TO WATCH: CRYSTAL METH

Texas Governor Perry did not mince words for East Texas rural drug
dealers: "We are sending a tough message to those who would poison
their fellow Texans with their dangerous drugs. The governor is doling
out $50,000 grant to help East Texas counties fight the dramatic
increase of methamphetamine labs.

Methamphetamine popularly known, as Meth is a synthetic amphetamine or
stimulant manufactured illegally in form of pills, capsules or powder
and chunks. Many dangers can occurs after the use of this illegal
drug. Withdrawal symptoms can be more intense and last longer than
speed and cocaine. Some of its popular names include: zip, shabu,
chalk, batu, ice, crystal, speed, crank or glass to name a few.

Methamphetamine plague is spreading like the cocaine epidemic of the
80s in the urban areas. Only this time, Meth is ravaging rural areas
and leaving a whirlwind of devastation in children, families, and
taxpayers' pockets. The idea that the drug offers the user some form
of invisibility is another lie from the pit of Hell.

The attraction to rural areas stem from the fact that Meth can be
manufactured easily. Also country folks are not usually suspicious of
their neighbors. Furthermore, someone can get the so-called "recipes"
on line making it one of the easiest drugs to illegally manufacture.
Manufacturers, sellers and users affect the community in diverse ways
whether we realize it or not. Homes are burglarized to buy more Meth.
Moreover, confrontation can occur anywhere with a user who feels
invincible. We know of drunk drivers, how about the driver "crashing"
from Meth binge and runs into your loved one?

Perry noted that often times children are exposed to toxic chemicals,
highly explosive fumes and dangerous drug addicts who threaten
children's safety because the labs are set up in their homes.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, 710 Meth labs were
seized in 2003, a nearly 12 percent increase over the 634 seizures in
2002. In 2003, 91 of those labs seizures occurred in East Texas.

The Meth Watch Program, originated by the Consumer Healthcare Products
Association, is designed to curtail criminals' access to common
household ingredients and over-the-counter cold medicines that are
used to manufacture Methamphetamine. Under this program: -Retailers
are trained to identify suspicious customers who purchase large
quantities of the items used to manufacture methamphatamine. -Meth
Watch signs are displayed in participating stores to let criminals
know they are being monitored and their business is not welcome.
Teachers are trained on how to identify young Texans who have been
exposed to toxic chemicals and potential explosions of Meth labs at
home or elsewhere by parents or caregivers.

"By empowering East Texans with knowledge, they will be able to help
law enforcement find homemade Meth labs and get this dangerous drug
off our streets," Perry said. According to Media reports, the program
has been successful in Kansas, the first state in the nation to
implement a Meth Watch Program.

Perry said he would encourage the legislature to pass stiffer
penalties for convicted Meth manufacturers. He would also support
legislation to clarify the roles of law enforcement, medical experts
and child protective services when a child is found at the location
where Meth is produced. Such a change he said will allow the state and
local officials to better coordinate their efforts so that drug
endangered children are placed in safe and healthy environment asap.