LEADING THE CHARGE AGAINST METH

Methamphetamine is the most dangerous, damaging and insidious drug our state
has ever faced. Medical evidence tells us that just one experimental use
permanently alters the brain and causes near-inalterable addiction.

Compounding matters is the fact that meth is easy to manufacture,
inexpensive and easily obtainable. In short, we face an epidemic.

Earlier this year, I signed into law a tough new measure aimed at
curbing the alarming spread of methamphetamine abuse in Oklahoma.

With that measure already making significant headway in our battle
against the drug, I am urging my fellow governors to push for similar
legislation in their states.

House Bill 2176 restricts tablet sales of pseudoephedrine, a primary
ingredient in the illegal manufacture of meth.

Under the law, such products now are only sold behind the counter in
Oklahoma pharmacies. Customers are limited in the amount they can buy
each month. In addition, they must present a photo identification and
provide a signature upon purchase.

HB 2176 also includes a provision allowing judges to deny bond to
chronic methamphetamine offenders, a measure designed to better
protect the public and law enforcement community. In recent years,
meth was at the center of separate incidents resulting in the slayings
of three Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers.

I am pleased to report that HB 2176 is proving itself to be a
tremendous success. According to the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and
Dangerous Drugs Control, methamphetamine lab seizures in the state
have dropped nearly 50 percent since the law took effect. Between
April and July of last year, there were 423 lab busts. Over the same
period this year, there were 263 cases.

But law enforcement officials are concerned about a likely scenario in
which methamphetamine manufacturers, unable to make their poison in
Oklahoma, simply set up operation in neighboring states.

Indeed, nationwide success in stopping the meth epidemic requires a
combined effort of states.

That is why laws similar to Oklahoma's hold such tremendous potential
in stamping out this scourge. Several states are looking into
duplicating our law. It is my hope that many more will follow.

If you have questions or comments, please write me at the Office of
the Governor, Room 212, Oklahoma City OK 73105 or visit the Contact
the Governor section of my Web site at www.governor.state.ok.us.