Goss: Action Needed on "Candy Meth"
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 at 2:40AM
3WC DJ

Senator Steve Goss of District 45 says he intends to introduce legislation in the next session to confront the serious problem local officials and law enforcement agencies are facing with the emergence of candy-flavored meth, a form of crystal methamphetamine.

Increasingly, national attention has been drawn to drug dealers marketing the dangerous designer drug in a candy-like form. Officials have found meth mixed with a variety of candies, drinks and other materials. This technique is apparently intended to appeal to younger people and make it easier for first-time users to try the drug. Federal officials have outlined the growing menace of the “candy meth” threat across the nation. Officials of the Drug Enforcement Administration have indicated the drug has spread to California, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri, and Minnesota. And now North Carolina unfortunately can be added to the list.

Goss is engaged in discussions with legislative leaders and staff and the Office of North Carolina Attorney General, Roy Cooper for advice on possible new legislation to deal with the problem. Goss concluded, “It is up to state legislators in partnership with counties, cities, towns, and law enforcement agencies to do everything possible to deal with the potential threat in North Carolina. If it takes a new Regional Task Force and additional funding, I hope all state legislators will see the need to move on the issue as soon as possible. At the same time, we must leave room in the legislation for local officials to use the funding available without having to jump through bureaucratic hoops which can take too long to be effective”

Article originally appeared on Hometown Christian Radio 3WC (http://www.hometownchristianradio.com/).
See website for complete article licensing information.