STEP UP POLICE EFFORTS TO CURB METH, TOO

There is no doubt that increased methamphetamine abuse must be
considered one of this country's most serious and disturbing trends.

State efforts to limit sales of decongestants and other sources of
meth precursors are likely to limit the ability of small-time meth
producers to create this highly addictive drug ("Decongestant sales
being curbed to halt drug trade," News, Tuesday).

However, policymakers in Washington and in the states must also be
aware of the unintended consequences of these efforts: When small meth
producers are unable to procure chemicals, the large trafficking
organizations operating massive meth-production sites that don't rely
on store-bought pharmaceuticals will step in to satisfy the demand.

Restricting access to store-bought medications that may be diverted
for illegal use is smart policy. But this must be accompanied by
increased assistance to law enforcement officials to clamp down on the
large meth-producing and trafficking organizations that are more than
willing to fill the void.

Ronald E. Brooks, President

National Narcotics Officers Associations' Coalition

San Francisco