Methamphetamine: Moonshine For The New Millinium

8 Pages 2051 Words

, new legislation of meth production now brings a ten year minimum sentence for first time offender and can increase considering other circumstances. Also, the manufacturing statute has been revised to read “ Two or more chemicals or two or more items of equipment with the intent to manufacture meets the elements of manufacture.” (Governor Ernie Fletcher…). The state of Kentucky is making efforts to prevent meth production. The key ingredient used in the production process is pseudoephedrine, commonly found in over the counter cold and allergy medications. The state has set in motion a new bill aimed directly at the fight against methamphetamine. Contained in this bill, there are several new laws, particularly, laws that will aid in governing the sale of over the counter cold and allergy medications. It is basically a means of removing such items from the ordinary shopping aisles and places them under the control of pharmacist. In order for a person to acquire such medication, they must sign for it on a registry that is monitored by KASPER (Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic reporting Program). When a person signs for this type of medication, they must also sign their social security number. If their social security number has a high level of activity, an investigation will ensue.
There are several other programs across the state developed for the sole purpose of battling meth and meth labs. Unfortunately, these programs are expensive to maintain. “Cleaning up the average methamphetamine lab costs from $2,000 to $5,000 per site” (Governor Ernie Fletcher…). Given that eighty-nine counties have reported meth labs, and at $2,000 per cleanup, that costed the state of Kentucky $178,000 in cleanup procedures alone. “Materials from meth labs can spread into ground and drinking water or into the air resultin...