ILLINOIS LAWMAKER SEEKS TO CLOSE METH LOOPHOLE

Report On Red Phosphorus Grabs Senator's Attention

SPRINGFIELD - A state senator said Friday he will seek to close a loophole
in Illinois' methamphetamine laws.

"Living in western Illinois, I know that methamphetamine use is a growing
concern," Sen. John Sullivan, D-Rushville, said in a news release. "We must
give our law-enforcement officials every tool available to fight against
meth production."

Sullivan's pledge came a day after the Journal Star reported prosecutors'
frustration that red phosphorus, which can be used to make the drug, is not
among ingredients that can trigger meth-related charges.

Red phosphorus can be taken from match heads and is used in one "recipe" for
manufacturing methamphetamine, an illegal and highly addictive stimulant.

Under existing state laws, a suspect can be charged with producing
methamphetamine if one of six "precursor ingredients" is found at the crime
scene.

Although red phosphorus has become an increasingly popular ingredient used
in "cooking" meth, it is not included in the list of precursors, which was
developed in 1999. As a result, prosecuting suspected manufacturers of
methamphetamine is harder when only red phosphorus is found at the crime
scene.

Sullivan said he would seek to add red phosphorus to the list of precursor
ingredients by amending meth legislation currently pending in the Illinois
Senate.

Meth has become a popular drug because it can be created with common
ingredients like anhydrous ammonia, which is widely used by farmers. That
ingredient is covered under current law and is the method seen most
frequently in central Illinois.

But Woodford County State's Attorney Mike Stroh said Thursday red phosphorus
is becoming more popular, and he believes it should be added to the list of
precursors.

The red phosphorus method, like that of anhydrous ammonia, is highly
explosive.

"Stolen anhydrous ammonia has grabbed headlines," Sullivan said, but
"components in household items, such as matches, can be overlooked despite
being dangerous as well.

"This should be something that can be taken care of rather easily," he said.