BILL HITS FLAVORED METH HARD

WASHINGTON -- Methamphetamine cooks who add coloring or flavoring to
the drug to entice young users would face tougher federal prison
sentences under legislation introduced in Congress on Tuesday.

The bill by Rep. John Boozman, R-Rogers, seeks to curb candy-flavored
meth, made to taste and look more like sweets.

Meth manufacturers have used strawberry-flavored drink mixes and other
artificial flavoring to improve the taste of the drug, an Arkansas
State Police investigator said Tuesday.

Distribution of the drug in strawberry, chocolate and cola flavors has
increased significantly since early this year, according to the Drug
Enforcement Administration.

"What appears to be happening is drug dealers, in an effort to make
the drug more appealing to young people, are starting to flavor it,"
Boozman said. "It's another effort to sell their product."

Boozman's bill would double current sentencing guidelines for meth
manufacturers if they are caught with flavored meth.

The "Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act" would require a
sentence of 20 years to life in prison for manufacturers caught with
50 grams or more of the substance.

Less than five grams would lead to a mandatory sentence of five to 40
years.

Penalties would increase for repeat offenders.