SHASTA COUNTY METHAMPHETAMINE TASK FORCE

PRESS RELEASE

Monday, May 2nd 2005

            The Shasta County Methamphetamine Task Force is celebrating two announcements that will definitely have an impact on our local community fight against the devastating and highly addictive drug methamphetamine.

            Methamphetamine and its effects are what are driving our raising crime rates as well as overwhelming our community resources from law enforcement, to social services, to foster care.

            In the first announcement the discount retailer "Target Corporation" has stated it will place all over the counter drugs containing pseudoephedrine, including children's medicines, tablets, liquids, and gel caps, behind the counter, placing tighter control on sales.  In states where sales of these items were more strictly controlled the number of small meth lab seizures have greatly decreased.  We praise Target Corporation for their action and hope other retailers will soon follow suit.

            The second, and most recent, announcement was by Shasta County District Attorney Jerry Benito.  He has just ordered that his office will begin filing felony charges on cases of methamphetamine possession no matter the size of the seizure.  Until now, any amount under a gram, which could have been charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, was being processed as a misdemeanor.  In addition, the District Attorney will seek a state prison sentence for most defendants who were granted a chance at rehabilitation and failed by continuing to commit crimes.

            This change in policy will now treat methamphetamine as other controlled substances such as cocaine and heroin.  Methamphetamine has been shown to be the drug of choice here in the north state and it is hoped that stronger penalties will both deter use, and cause those using or addicted to this devastating drug to seek rehabilitation at one of the many community resources available.

            Education is the key to freeing our communities from the negative effects of this spreading plague called meth.  Working together we can and will make a difference.

            For facts on methamphetamine as well as rehabilitation resources please visit our website at www.methtaskforce.org.

                                                            Shasta County Methamphetamine Task Force
                                                            P.O. Box 1744
                                                            Redding, CA  96099-1744
                                                            (530) 241.5958 (Chemical People)