AGENTS SAY METHAMPHETAMINE PROBLEM GROWING

Local drug agents said the methamphetamine problem in this area continues
to escalate.

Authorities are hoping pending legislation will help in their fight. A bill
introduced for consideration this term deals with pseudoephedrine control.
The ingredient, found in many over-the-counter allergy and cold medicines,
is used to manufacture meth.

The measure also would help authorities when they bust a meth lab because
offenders will be jailed without bond, the agent said.

The bill is getting attention because of the recent death of a state
trooper allegedly killed by a suspect accused of making meth in his
vehicle. In recent years, the drug agent said two other troopers have been
killed in the line of duty because of methamphetamine-related incidents in
the state.

The District Attorney's drug task force begins many drug investigations in
both Pottawatomie and Lincoln Counties from leads called into the anonymous
tip line. To report suspicious activity or a possible meth lab, call the
tip line at (405) 878-5520.

The task force also is working to raise additional monies to acquire a
second K-9 drug dog for the agents' drug interdiction efforts in this area.