HOUSE OKS BILL TO CRACK DOWN ON METH DEALERS

ATLANTA- The Georgia House on Monday approved a measure to crack down on
the production of methamphetamines.

The legislation, supported by Gov. Sonny Perdue, would put limits on the
sale of anhydrous ammonia, one of the materials used to manufacture meth.
It also provides tougher penalties for the possession, manufacture and
distribution of the drug.

"This is a serious, escalating problem," said Rep. Larry O'Neal, R-Warner
Robins, who introduced the bill in the House for Perdue.

Methamphetamine is nearly as dangerous for the officers who are fighting
its distribution as it is for the addicts who use it. The drug, which
speeds up the central nervous system, is inexpensive to make and can be
cooked from items bought at any hardware store.

Explosions can be caused during the production of the drug, and breathing
the drug's fumes can be fatal.

It comes in three forms: a white, odorless powder that easily dissolves in
water; clear, chunky crystals that look like rock salt; and small, brightly
colored tablets. Methamphetamine cooks mix various household and farm
products together to extract the drug from cold tablets.

The legislation approved Monday would limit the number of certain cold
tablets, such as Sudafed, that one person can possess.

Middle Georgia law enforcement officers had been pushing for the
legislation, as they say they've seen an increase since 1999 in the
distribution and use of the drug. Perdue is expected to approve the
legislation.

"The governor is going to sign the bill as early as Tuesday," said Perdue
spokesman Shane Hix. "We're fired up about this one."

Methamphetamines are considered the top drug problem in many Georgia
counties. Officials say state and federal investigators and chemists are
joining local agencies in investigating more than 10 busts a week in Middle
Georgia.

In January, Macon police busted a rolling meth lab after the car caught
fire in the parking lot of a business on Gray Highway. Although no one was
injured in the incident, three people were arrested and had to be stripped
and hosed down with water by the roadside before they were taken to jail.

The legislation passed the House by a vote of 151-11.