METHWATCH DESIGNED TO CRACK DOWN ON DRUG

The Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
(TBI), in partnership with the Governor's Office, the Tennessee Police
Chiefs Association, the Tennessee Retail Association and the Tennessee
Sheriff's Association, launched the Tennessee MethWatch Program - a new
statewide effort designed to crack down on the spread of methamphetamines.
"Meth abuse is reaching epidemic proportions in Tennessee particularly in
rural communities. I want to get serious about cracking down on the
problem," said Governor Phil Bredesen. "We're working with lawmakers to
develop a comprehensive effort to address the problem, but the MethWatch
program represents a critical first step.

"The only way to truly address the problem is to get everyone working
together - from TBI to local law enforcement officials, from retailers to
citizens."

The MethWatch program combines a public information campaign with an
intelligence collection system, centering around a 24-hour TBI meth hotline
1-877-TNN-METH (877-866-6384).

"It is intended to provide both a simple and cost effective in other
places," said Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Interim Director David
Griswold. "The hope is that by taking the initiative statewide, existing
efforts to crackdown on the production of meth can be augmented."

The MethWatch program was conceived during last year's session of the
General Assembly. During hearings on proposed meth legislation, Senator
Charlotte Burks and others met with representatives of the TBI to explore a
voluntary meth precursor deterrence program. The Tennessee Retail
Association and Tennessee Association of Chiefs of Police subsequently
committed their support to help get the program off the ground.

As a result of the MethWatch initiative, an aggressive public information
campaign is being launched to educate the public about the problem, and in
turn, solicit the help of retailers and the community at large in
identifying and reporting potentially suspicious behavior.

As part of the campaign, TBI has established a toll-free statewide hotline
that makes it easier for citizens to report questionable behavior. All
suspicious activity reported to the hotline will be followed-up on by state
and local law enforcement officials.

"Most counties across the state have fallen victim to the dangerous
manufacture and use of methamphetamines. Law enforcement agencies have
expended valuable resources to detect, deter and prosecute these offenders.
We have often sought the help of the community to assist with enforcement
efforts, but the MethWatch public information campaign and intelligence
collection system expands these efforts greatly," said Tennessee Sheriff's
Association President Sheriff Norman Lewis.

In addition, a more focused public education effort is being waged in
partnership with retailers across the state. Methamphetamines, known as the
"poor man's cocaine," is often manufactured from commonly-available
household chemicals like cold medicines, lithium batteries and household
cleansers. Signs and posters identifying these items will be prominently
displayed in hundreds of businesses across the state that sell the products
used in making meth.

"Retailers in this state want to be on the front line to deter the use and
manufacturing of meth in Tennessee. We see this program as a great first
step to combat the Meth problem," said Tennessee Retailers Association
Director Russell Palk.

Recent statistics show clandestine manufacture and abuse of
methamphetamines is reaching epidemic proportions in certain areas,
particularly the Cumberland Plateau.

"The MethWatch Program is a great, cost-effective first step in winning
against Meth in our communities," said Cookeville Police Chief Bob Terry.
"In fact, the Cookeville Police Department launched its MethWatch program
four months ago. It is giving our retailers an opportunity to join us in
the battle against the manufacture of methamphetamines."

The program is also being praised by members of the General Assembly.

State Senator Charlotte Burks said, "Meth is devastating families all
across Tennessee, especially in rural areas. The 15th Senatorial District
and the Upper Cumberland Region has bee affected more than any other region
in the state. There is no doubt that the manufacturing, sale and use of
methamphetamines is fast becoming a huge problem in our communities and it
is running rampant in our state.

"I appreciate the efforts of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation in
implementing the Tennessee MethWatch Program. It's time to take serious
measures to stop the spread of this devastating drug and those program is a
good start."

State Representative Judd Metheny said, "With the advent of the MethWatch,
the State of Tennessee now has a cost effective, easy to use and
comprehensive program aimed directly at hitting meth where it hurts the most."