| Press Release |
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| June 30, 2006 |
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Governor Kulongoski Announces New Methamphetamine Law
(Salem)— Governor Kulongoski announced today that Oregon’s toughest anti-methamphetamine goes into effect tomorrow, Saturday, July 1, 2006.
The law requires all cold medicines with pseudoephedrine, a key ingredient in methamphetamine, to be available by prescription only.
“Restricting the amount of meth on the streets will mean stronger communities and safer families,” said Governor Kulongoski. “This law, combined with the $5.5 million distributed to drug courts this week, will bring real results in our fight against this epidemic,” said Governor Kulongoski.
The landmark methamphetamine law, signed Governor Kulongoski in August 2005, is the toughest anti-methamphetamine law in the nation. Many consumers have already begun switching to other cold remedies earlier, and pharmaceutical companies are now manufacturing and distributing non-prescription cold products with pseudoephedrine alternatives.
As part of the Governor’s commitment to fighting meth and meth-related crime, Governor Kulongoski appointed a meth task force comprised of law enforcement, treatment providers, prevention experts, private business and others. According to estimates from Rob Bovett of the Governor’s task force, there has been a 77% reduction in the number of meth labs.
“The financial impact of one meth lab for the state is around $350,000 after child welfare, job loss, property damage, law enforcement and other factors have been considered,” said Bovett. “When all is said and done, a continued reduction in the number of meth labs could mean at least savings of $168 million for Oregonians.”
The implementation of the new law comes the same week as the Governor distributed $5.5 million in Bryne Methamphetamine Reduction Grants to various drug court programs around the state. Drug courts help rehabilitate and educate families, children and users of methamphetamine.
Media Contacts:
Lonn Hoklin (503.378.6169 or 503.559.1034)
Mary Ellen Glynn (503.378.4656 or 917.757.7378)
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