Story Published:
Feb 10, 2011 at 7:21 PM CDT
Story Updated:
Feb 11, 2011 at 3:00 PM CDT
Tennessee, we have a problem. A big one at that. The manufacture of meth has assumed epidemic proportions here and across the nation. Let's focus on the problem in Tennessee.
Somebody who thinks outside the box can easily extrapolate the alarming stats to the nation as a whole. In 2004, before pseudoephedrine was moved behind the counter by state law, there were 1559 meth labs seized by law enforcement.
In 2010, there were 2082. That's a 75% increase. 75%! Along with the seizures, there were 1835 arrest in 2010. That was up by 68% from 1264 in 2009. The problem lies in the fact that the number of arrests doesn't reflect the actual numbers of people who never are caught. It also doesn't reflect the number who are repeat offenders.
The method of meth manufacturers has become simplified in the past couple of years. You don't need an elaborate set up in a seedy motel room. All that is needed are the chemicals and 2 liter soda bottles. It's called " shake and bake " and it can be done in a car. The main ingredient needed is pseudoephedrine that can still be bought over the counter as long as the purchaser signs for it.
The TBI wants pseudoephedrine to be sold by prescription only. The pharmacist association wants it kept as is with purchases tracked by National Precursor Log Exchange ( NPLEX ). It would seem that the answer to the purchasing problem would be to incorporated both ideas. The availability of pseudoephedrine is so easy, that the drastic methods must be employed. The "shake and bakers " already use multiple people and stores to obtain the supplies.
These scourges of society will always try to be one step ahead of the law. Oregon and Mississippi both saw dramatic decreases in meth labs as soon as it took a prescription for purchase.
The toll on children placed in protective custody by DCS is also up from 2009 to 2010. 484 in 2010, 288 in 2009. That's a 61% increase. That doesn't include those placed with relatives not involved in drug making. I'll bet the increase is even greater. The cost for 1 child in state custody exceeds $38k per year.
Rep. David Hawks of Greenville has filled a bill that would require a prescription for the purchase of pseudoephedrine. That's a good start!
You have indicated this comment should be removed.
The comment has been submitted for review. Thank you .