Governor Rell Aims to Stiffen Meth Penalties
Governor Rell Aims to Stiffen Meth Penalties
Governor M. Jodi Rell today announced that she is proposing several measures aimed at toughening state laws concerning the drug methamphetamine (meth).
"The changes I am proposing will move us forward in the fight against meth," Governor Rell said. "We need to get tougher laws on our books this year to send the message that the sale or possession of this drug will land you in jail."
Governor Rell is proposing:
* To classify the meth ingredients pseudoephedrine and ephedrine as controlled substances.
* An increase in penalties for the sale or manufacture of meth. (Penalty for first offense: Up to 15 years in prison and/or a fine of up to $50,000. Second offense: Up to 30 years and/or up to $100,000 fine. Subsequent offense: Up to 30 years and/or up to $250,000 fine.)
* To classify possession of drug manufacturing paraphernalia as a class D felony (Penalty of five years in prison and/or fine of up to $5,000.) This offense is currently listed as a Class A Misdemeanor (Penalty is 1 year in prison and/or up to $2,000 fine.)
* To increase the penalty for Operating a Drug Factory when meth is involved. (Additional five years incarceration and/or additional fine of up to $5,000.)
Since February 1, a centralized reporting procedure has been in place 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). The system will attempt to better coordinate government's response to meth production at the local, state and national levels.
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.
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.
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.
http://www.ct.gov/governorrell/cwp/view.asp?Q=310260&A=2425