TERRE HAUTE (May 10, 2005) – Governor Mitch Daniels strengthened the state’s battle against methamphetamine use today when he signed SEA 444, the Meth Prevention Act, which will limit access to the ingredients used to make the drug. The governor was joined by sheriffs, prosecutors, university professors, legislators and city officials on the steps of the Vigo County Courthouse.

 

Last month, the governor announced a number of other initiatives to battle the meth scourge. The state has opened the first meth-only treatment program at the Miami Correctional Facility and is partnering with the state police and Indiana colleges and universities to utilize students to help clear the crime lab backlog so lab professionals can focus more attention on meth cases. In addition, the Department of Child Services is developing a procedure for removing and protecting children removed from meth houses.

 

“We are waging a war to stop the damage this drug is causing throughout the state, in our schools and neighborhoods and against families and the environment,” said Governor Daniels. “This strong legislation puts a stop to Indiana becoming a clearinghouse for the purchase of meth ingredients.”

 

Major proponents of the legislation were Senator Mike Young, R-Indianapolis; Senator Richard Bray, R-Martinsville; Sen. Tim Skinner, D-Terre Haute; Rep. William Friend, R-Macy; Rep. Eric Koch, R-Bedford, and Rep. Trent Van Haaften, D-Mount Vernon. Senate co-authors were Sen. John Broden, D-South Bend; Sen. Thomas Weatherwax, R-Logansport; Sen. Victor Heinhold, R-Kouts; Sen. Gregory Server, R-Evansville; Sen. Gary Dillon, R-Pierceton; and Sen. Glenn Howard, D-Indianapolis. House co-sponsors were Rep. Dale Grubb, D-Covington; Rep. John Ulmer, R-Goshen; Rep. Bruce Borders, R-Jasonville; Rep. Jerry Torr, R-Carmel; and Rep. Andrew Thomas, R-Brazil.

 

According to SEA 444:

 

• In pharmacies or stores with open pharmacies, products which contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine can be placed in the direct line of sight of a pharmacy counter with constant video monitoring, in a locked cabinet or behind a counter.

 

• In stores without pharmacies or when pharmacies are closed, products which contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine must be placed in a locked cabinet or behind a counter.

 

• Convenience packs of up to four tablets (120 mg) can be sold without any restrictions except they must be stored within 30 feet of a checkout counter.

 

 

• Customers are not allowed to purchase more than 3 grams (~100 tablets) of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine products in one week.

 

• Retailers are required to report unusual thefts of ephedrine or pseudoephedrine products to law enforcement officials within three days.

 

• The Criminal Justice Institute is required to administer a meth watch program to educate retailers and the public on the new law and ways to identify the signs of meth abuse.

 

In 2004, the Indiana State Police seized 1,549 meth labs and are on pace to dismantle over 1,700 this year. Meth is estimated to cost the state over $100 million annually.

 

After just one month in operation at the Miami Correctional Facility, the Department of Correction’s “Clean Lifestyle is Freedom Forever” program is being expanded to the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. The state police-university forensic science partnership also is underway. A steering committee of nine colleges and universities will begin to develop a curriculum and internship program in coming weeks. So far, officials at more than 15 campuses in Indiana have expressed some interest in participating in the program. The governor’s office also is working with the U.S. Attorney’s Office to identify, prevent and successfully prosecute illegal meth trafficking from Mexico.

 

 

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