Governor, feds announce methamphetamine strategy (New Hampshire)

By Beverley Wang, Associated Press Writer

CONCORD, N.H. --With the presence of methamphetamines increasing in New Hampshire, state and federal officials Thursday released a plan to fight production and use of the highly addictive drug.

The plan, the result of a statewide task force, focuses on legislation, enforcement, treatment and prevention as well as protecting children and the environment. Gov. John Lynch and Attorney General Kelly Ayotte said raising public awareness about the dangers of meth, which is cheap to buy and easily made with store-bought ingredients, is another key point.

"It is crucial that we stop the production and use of this drug before more individuals become addicted and more lives are ruined," Ayotte said.

Both urged the House and Senate to pass bills restricting access to meth ingredients and imposing stiffer punishments for convicted meth producers when legislation crosses from one chamber to the other next week.

The House last month voted to require pharmacists to place some over-the-counter cold medicines containing contain pseudoephedrine and ephedrine -- key meth ingredients -- behind their counters, require photo identification of buyers and bar sales to minors. The bill also tracks sales and set purchase limits of the medications.

"I look forward to signing these pieces of legislation when they reach my desk," Lynch said.

http://www.boston.com/news/local/new_hampshire/articles/2006/03/16/governor_feds_announce_methamphetamine_strategy/