Governor Rell Implements Centralized Reporting Procedures for Meth Incidents

Governor Rell Implements Centralized Reporting Procedures for Meth Incidents

Starting Feb. 1, State to Coordinate Data Collection With Federal Government

To better coordinate government's response to methamphetamine (meth) production at the local, state and national levels, Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that a centralized reporting procedure will be put in place by February 1 in which the Connecticut Department of Public Safety will collect monthly information regarding meth laboratory incidents and share that information with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

"Good data is critical to making good policy and funding decisions at all levels of government," Governor Rell said. "If there is an increase in meth use or production, we must be able to respond immediately. Vigilance is the key.

"The best way to tackle this problem is to work together. By systematically and promptly gathering meth lab information and by passing that information along to the federal government, we can better anticipate problems we may face down the road."

Connecticut public safety officials will submit complete and accurate reports on meth lab incidents to the DEA's El Paso Intelligence Center (EPIC). EPIC houses the National Clandestine Laboratory Seizure System (CLSS), the federal government's central resource for collecting information on meth labs in the U.S. CLSS evaluates where the meth production threat is most significant.

Last week, a working group of state law enforcement, environmental and social service officials provided Governor Rell with a package of recommendations aimed at dealing with meth use in the state. The group recommended limiting access to cold remedies with ingredients that can be used to make meth and instituting stiffer penalties for possessing the drug and equipment used to make it.

Governor Rell intends to offer the Connecticut General Assembly a package of proposals on this issue for consideration during the next legislative session, which begins in February.

In August, Governor Rell urged residents to call the state's 2-1-1 information line if they feel they are in need of treatment for substance abuse. "What we are trying to do is heighten awareness among Connecticut residents that effective treatment is available," Governor Rell said. "We want people to know that help is just a phone call away."

Methamphetamine, a derivative of amphetamine, is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system. An intense rush is felt, almost instantaneously, when a user smokes or injects methamphetamine. The effects of methamphetamine can last up to 12 hours. Side effects include convulsions, dangerously high body temperature, stroke, cardiac arrhythmia, stomach cramps, and shaking.

Chronic methamphetamine abuse can lead to psychotic behavior including intense paranoia, visual and auditory hallucinations, and out-of-control rages that can result in violent episodes. Long-term use of methamphetamine may result in anxiety, insomnia, and addiction.

http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=308322&A=2425