Tuesday, October 25, 2005
Contact: Jessica Robinson, 573-751-0290
Blunt’s Efforts Lead to Reduction in Meth Incidents
JEFFERSON CITY–Actions taken by Gov. Matt Blunt and the General Assembly have led to a reduction in meth incidents for September, the second month following full implementation of legislation limiting sales of ephedrine and pseudoephdrine in the state.
"I am pleased to see that our new landmark anti-meth law is having a positive effect in Missouri’s struggle to combat this epidemic. Keeping the key ingredient needed to make the drug out of meth makers’ hands is clearly an effective and positive step towards combating the meth crisis," Blunt said. "I commend the actions of Missouri’s law enforcement community as they continue the fight against meth in our state."
The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported a 42.7 percent reduction in meth incidents for September 2005 compared to September 2004. This followed a reduction of 55 percent in August. Missouri’s new meth law, modeled after legislation in Oklahoma, has made it more difficult for meth producers to acquire the necessary ingredients used to manufacturer the drug.
Missouri has been one of the top meth producing states across the nation for several years. In 2004, Missouri, once again, led the nation with 2,788 meth incidents, compared to 1,300 in Iowa, which was second. Last year, the Missouri Highway Patrol alone conducted more than 1,900 meth investigations.
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