DES MOINES, IA -- Although the number of homemade methamphetamine laboratories in the state of Iowa has declined, state officials are battling a new concern regarding the illegal and highly addictive narcotic.
The New York Times reports that Iowa, along with other states that have passed anti-meth laws, are worried about a new problem: “the drop in home-cooked methamphetamine has been met by a new flood of crystal methamphetamine coming largely from Mexico.” The form of meth is purer, more addictive and, according to Iowa state officials, is leading to a greater risk of overdose. Incidentally, home cookers who have resorted to buying the drug are also contributing to a greater number of thefts.
Meanwhile, as the University of Iowa Burn Center reports fewer cases involving patients who have been scorched during the process of making meth, drug treatment centers are reporting that more patients are entering treatment facilities for help with meth addiction.
“It's killing us, this Mexican ice,” Iowa Drug Policy Director Marvin Van Haaften told the newspaper, adding, “I'm not sure we can control it as well as we can the meth labs in your community.”
Burglaries, according to Iowa Drug Task Force Rep. Jerry Furness, have skyrocketed. He told the Times, “The state asks how the decrease in meth labs has reduced danger to citizens, and it has, as far as potential explosions. But we've had a lot of burglaries where the occupants are home at the time, and that's probably more of a risk. So it's kind of evening out.”
The newspaper notes that Iowa and other states have imposed restrictions on the sale of cold and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine--the main ingredient used to manufacture meth--although state officials warn that such restrictions “fall far short of a solution.”
Furthermore, although Iowa officials have claimed that the state’s anti-meth law is working faster than other state laws aimed at reducing the number of meth labs, Van Haaften notes that a survey of local police indicates 74 percent feel the law has not curtailed demand for the narcotic. Furthermore, 61 percent say the meth supply had remained steady or increased, writes the Times.
Following the release of Van Haaften’s report, state Rep. Clel Baudler charged the Committee on Public Safety to develop strategies for reducing meth demand.
“My fear is, when I ask what they think we should do, they'll say ‘I don't know,’” Baulder noted in an interview, adding, “We’ve increased penalties, we’ve increased prison time, we’re still not getting in front of it.”
According to the Times, “More than 30 states have restricted pseudoephedrine in some way. Nine have put it behind pharmacy counters, and Oregon now requires a prescription to obtain it.”
Meanwhile, South Dakota Human Services Secretary Betty Oldenkamp told the Times that the demand for meth cannot be reduced through legislative action. “The law enforcement aspects are tremendously important, but we also have to do something to address the demand.” South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) recently proposed legislation that would restrict consumers to two packs of cold medicines per store.