AGENCIES ANNOUNCE PLAN TO ATTACK METH PROBLEM

WAYLAND, Mich. -- With the use of methamphetamine growing like a cancer in
Michigan, authorities are taking a clinical approach to stop, or at least
slow, the illegal drug's rising popularity.

On Thursday, a multi-pronged approach was announced to attack the growing
problem.

The Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy, Michigan State Police, Michigan
Department of Community Health and the federal Drug Enforcement
Administration are combining their resources in hopes of catching the
cancer before it has spread too far.

"With this new strategy plan, our law enforcement message is simple: If you
are cooking methamphetamine in Michigan, it is only a matter of time before
you are caught," Col. Stephen Madden, director of the Michigan State
Police, said at a news conference at the Wayland Fire Department.

In 1999, 19 methamphetamine clandestine labs were discovered. That figure
rose to 40 in 2000, 120 in 2001, 131 last year, and officials estimate
police will take down more than 200 labs before the year is out.

"Sadly, the methamphetamine problem that began on the West Coast has spread
to Michigan," Madden said. "However, we are not sitting idly by watching
the devastating effect this drug has had in neighboring states."

The methamphetamine expansion in Michigan has been hitting hardest, to
date, in Van Buren and Allegan counties in southwest Michigan.

The wave of crimes related to the burst brought officials to announce the
purchase and distribution of 250 "nurse" tank locks for anhydrous ammonia
field tanks. Purchased by the Michigan State Police with a grant from the
Office of Drug Control Policy, the locks are being distributed to farmers
in Van Buren and Allegan counties to help limit the theft of anhydrous
ammonia, a key ingredient in manufacturing methamphetamine.

Since a spring meeting in Grand Rapids, state, local and federal
authorities have been seeking to work out a multi-jurisdictional approach
to stem the tide of meth, including working with utility workers and
health-care professionals.

"Michigan now has a multifaceted approach to dealing with methamphetamine,"
said Craig Yaldoo, director of the Michigan Office of Drug Control Policy.

The approach will include more aggressive law enforcement and prosecution
of meth-related crimes, heightened public awareness efforts including
training and education, prevention and treatment programs and preventative
efforts in the retail sector when it comes to meth ingredients and
components need to manufacture the illegal drug.

Authorities warn that anyone near methamphetamine can suffer serious health
consequences and injuries, including serious burns and collapsed lungs
along with explosion-related injuries.

The illegal drug has some serious psychological and physiological effects
for its users. Police officers and emergency workers have encountered
people with symptoms including paranoia schizophrenia, delusion, panic,
hallucinations, and homicidal or suicidal thoughts.

"Methamphetamine is extremely addictive, even after only one use," said
James Haveman Jr., director of the state Department of Community Health.

"Unfortunately, methamphetamine users typically don't understand the risk
of this drug. They also can't recognize their own need for treatment, so
it's important for family, friends, co-workers and others to work with
substance abuse professionals to get the person into treatment."