TENNESSEE KICKS OFF METHWATCH PROGRAM

The Drug Investigation Division of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation,
in partnership with the Governor's office, the Tennessee Police Chiefs
Association, the Tennessee Retail Association and the Tennessee Sheriffs
Association, Thursday 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," said Governor Phil Bredesen in a press release from the
Tennessee Department of Safety. " l want to get serious about cracking down
on the problem."

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 means of deterring meth manufacture and gathering critical
intelligence about potential violators for law enforcement.

An aggressive public information campaign is being launched to educate the
public about the problem.

In addition, a more focused public education effort is being waged in
partnership with retailers across the state. Methamphetamine, 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.