METH LAB CHARGES WERE NECESSARY

Editor: In response to the concern of Ian Mance regarding the charges of
"manufacturing a ... chemical weapon" brought against Martin Dwayne Miller by
District Attorney Jerry Wilson, I believe Mr. Mance should recognize that the
offense is not merely producing an illegal narcotic.

The chemicals and procedures used to cook meth constitute a hazard of toxic and
explosive damage, not only to the cook, but to anyone who happens to be in the
vicinity. Watauga County has experienced an astonishing outbreak of meth
cooking. Whole families, including children, have been exposed to toxic
chemicals which may have long-term health effects.

This is much more serious than growing a few plants or brewing some shine, or
even bringing finished drugs into the county. Jerry Wilson's charge may seem
extreme, but it is surely preferable to the slap on the wrist punishments
prescribed by other laws on the books.

Ben E. Edwards

Boone