Meth Labs On Decline, But Dealers Have New Gimmicks

April 5, 2007, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Strong state and federal laws restricting the sale of pseudoephedrine have helped to reduce the number of methamphetamine labs across the nation, but meth dealers are still able to get the drug to users, according to U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reports that Tennessee had 337 meth lab seizures in 2006 alone. Just two years earlier, the state had 1,327 lab seizures.

“The decline of meth labs in our state is a move in the right direction, but we can’t be lulled into believing the drug is no longer a problem in our communities,” said Gordon.

“Law enforcement agencies tell me they are seeing more internationally-produced meth from foreign drug labs that are happy to pick up production to keep up with demand for the drug.”

The DEA reported a 75 percent increase in the amount of meth seized at the U.S.-Mexico border from 2002 to 2004.

Gordon says another tactic meth dealers are using to appeal to users is the addition of colorings and flavorings. The DEA reported recently that candy and soft drink flavorings are becoming more prevalent.

“As kids learn about the dangers of the drug, meth cooks need a gimmick to get them to try it,” said Gordon. “It’s shameful how dealers are targeting children by adding these candy flavors and colors.”

Gordon has been a leader in congressional efforts to curb the nation’s meth abuse problems. The congressman has voted for measures aimed at reducing the flow of internationally produced meth and introduced legislation to help communities clean up dwellings that have been used as meth lab sites.

Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives approved Gordon’s Methamphetamine Remediation Research Act. The legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency to develop model, voluntary, health-based clean-up guidelines to ensure former meth lab sites are safe and livable. The bill also requires a study to determine the long-term health impacts of meth exposure on first responders and children rescued from meth labs.