Wednesday, March 15, 2006
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt’s Leadership Helps Reduce Meth Incidents
JEFFERSON CITY–Gov. Matt Blunt’s leadership has led to a reduction in meth incidents following the implementation of legislation limiting the sales of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine in Missouri and his clear message that meth will not be tolerated in our state.
“Missouri will no longer ignore the pervasive meth epidemic,” Blunt said. “Missouri’s new anti-meth laws and legislation recently passed at the federal level will continue to provide Missouri law enforcement with the tools they need to eliminate the scourge of meth in our state.”
The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) reported 130 meth incidents in January 2006 compared to 318 for January 2005. Meth incidents include chemical, equipment and glassware seizures, and dumpsites that have been identified by the MSHP.
For too many years Missouri has had the distinction as one of the top meth producing states in the nation. Blunt and the General Assembly enacted strong anti-meth laws to combat this dangerous epidemic. Last year the total meth incidents identified by MSHP were 2,252 compared to 2,788 reported incidents in 2004.
The MSHP reported since Missouri’s new meth law took effect, meth incidents have declined on average 40.5 percent.
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