WORKING TO FIGHT METH LABS

In a recent column, I wrote about a new initiative called Meth Busters to
curb the proliferation of methamphetamine labs. The program is aimed
specifically at curtailing the manufacture and use of the drug, as well as
the swift prosecution of persons who manufacture meth.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a stimulant drug with a
high potential for abuse and dependence that affects the central nervous
system. Meth use can cause addiction psychosis, stroke, dangerously high
body temperature, and cardiac arrhythmia. Withdrawal often results in
severe depression and paranoia.

In recent years, it has become more and more common that we open up the
newspaper and read about local law enforcement agents busting meth labs.
The proliferation of meth labs in Texas has become epidemic. The danger
that meth poses to the user as well as anyone around the manufacturing
process is impossible to over-estimate. The byproducts and waste resulting
from the process are highly toxic, explosive and harmful to people as well
as the environment.

Meth can be produced with relative simplicity in makeshift "labs" which can
be small enough to be contained within a backpack or five gallon bucket.
Meth "cooks" can produce meth in a matter of hours and the process can even
be done without heat. Because of the pungent odor emitted by these labs,
rural areas have become increasingly popular locations. These labs are
often found in houses, hotel rooms and wooded areas, often exposing young
children to the harmful fumes and byproducts of meth production.

The ingredients and equipment required to produce meth are varied,
depending on the method used, but are typically legitimate products
attainable at supermarkets and convenience stores. These items include such
common products as pyrex glassware and mason jars, lithium camera
batteries, cleaning solvents, rock salt and starting fluid. The list goes
on because there are multiple ways to produce meth.

However, one product is common to all methods of production:
pseudoephedrine. Pseudoephedrine is contained in common, over-the-counter
cold and allergy products such as nasal decongestants. Meth cooks are able
to extract the pseudoephedrine from these products. However, meth cooks can
only use these products in tablet form. The meth production process
requires a large amount of the tablets to produce a batch of meth.

In next week's column, I will continue this topic and talk about a program
called Meth Watch which Governor Perry helped launch in East Texas last
week. I will also discuss a legislative proposal to control the sale of
pseudoephedrine in tablet form to those who plan to use the products to
manufacture meth.

Larry Phillips of Sherman represents District 62 in the Texas House of
Representatives. His telephone number in Sherman is (XXX) XXX-XXXX. His
telephone number in Austin is (512) XXX-XXXX. His address in Austin is P.O.
Box XXXX, Austin, Texas 78768. His email address is X@X.