BILL WILL FIGHT CANDY METH

Law enforcement agencies across the nation are now facing a sweet but
deadly trend in crystal methamphetamine.

Manufacturers and dealers of the drug are now marketing the illicit
substance in a candy-like form.

The drug has now been found mixed with candies, powdered drink mixes
intended for milk and other sweets.

Officers of the Drug Enforcement Administration suggest this technique
is intended to appeal to younger people and entice first-time users.

The "candy meth" has been encountered in California, Nevada,
Washington, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri and Minnesota. Now,
North Carolina has been added to that list.

Two Ashe County arrests in September yielded a substance nicknamed
"strawberry quick," which fit the DEA's description of "candy meth."

Capt. A. Reed of the Watauga County Sheriff's Office Special
Operations Unit said the new form of methamphetamine has not yet been
encountered in Watauga County. Officers are informed and continue to
pursue all controlled substances.

N.C. Sen. Steve Goss of District 45 announced Monday his intentions to
introduction legislation to address the issue. The specifics of the
legislation have not yet been determined. Goss is engaged in
discussions with legislative leaders and the Office of North Carolina
Attorney General Roy Cooper for advice on potential legislative
possibilities.

"It is up to state legislators in partnership with counties, cities,
towns and law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to deal
with the potential threat in North Carolina," Goss said.

"If it takes a new Regional Task Force and additional funding, I hope
all state legislators will see the need to move on the issue as soon
as possible. At the same time, we must leave room in the legislation
for local officials to use the funding available without having to
jump through bureaucratic hoops, which can take too long to be
effective."