Friday, October 20, 2006
Contact: Brian Hauswirth, 573-751-0290
Blunt Pleased with Progress Missouri has Made in Defeating Meth Epidemic
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt is pleased to report the continuing positive results of Missouri’s anti-meth legislation signed into law in 2005.
“By working together and using the tools now available, our law enforcement officials, pharmacists and consumers have made significant progress in our efforts to defeat meth,” Blunt said. “Although Missouri’s meth incidents have decreased, there is still more work to do to end this dangerous epidemic.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported that since Missouri’s new meth law took effect in July 2005, meth incidents have declined an average of 45 percent. Meth incidents include chemical, equipment and glassware seizures, and dumpsites that have been identified by the MSHP.
“Missouri’s anti-meth law has given tools to our officers that make investigations easier and more efficient,” said Col. James Keathley of the MSHP. “Many producers are now stopped at the source, but we are also now able to better track those who are attempting to skirt the law to continue meth production and focus our investigations where we are most needed.”
In 2004 meth incidents in Missouri totaled 2,788; in 2005 meth incidents totaled 2,252. As of August 31st the MSHP reported 891 meth incidents for 2006.
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