Meth: Tennessee Makes Progress

Meth: Tennessee Makes Progress
Posted: 6/29/2006 2:48:19 PM



State law enforcement officials say Tennessee has made major progress over the past year in combating methamphetamine. Through initiatives like the Meth-Free Tennessee Act, the Meth Offender Registry, and educational campaigns like the Tennessee District Attorneys General Conference’s “Meth Destroys” campaign, Tennessee has seen a significant drop in meth lab seizures and a general increase in awareness about the drug’s dangers.

In 2004 and 2005 Tennessee ranked second in the U.S. for meth lab seizures. This year lab seizures are down nearly 50% according to the TBI.

TBI Director Mark Gwyn says, “Meth is still a major issue in Tennessee. However, we are pleased that we are seeing fewer labs this year than in years past. If we can curb the number of domestic meth labs, we will be able to protect many innocent children from being exposed, burned or possibly killed because of a parent’s decision to cook meth in the home.”

Though these initiatives have made Tennessee safer from domestic meth production, the battle against meth is far from over. According to the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, much of the methamphetamine used in Tennessee is now being transported from Mexico and the Southwest border area. The DEA anticipates an increase of meth use in Tennessee as the drug gains popularity over crack cocaine.