Thune Statement on National Meth Awareness Day

Thune Statement on National Meth Awareness Day

Senator John Thune today issued the following statement regarding today's observance of National Methamphetamine Awareness Day:

"A growing challenge in South Dakota that threatens the safety of communities throughout the state is the rapidly spreading methamphetamine abuse problem. Last year in South Dakota, more than 700 meth-related arrests were made and around 20 pounds of meth was seized," Thune said. "National Methamphetamine Awareness Day shows us that this dangerous drug is not only causing concern in South Dakota but across the country as well.

"As a Member of the Senate Anti-Meth Caucus, I have been working in Congress to pass measures to curb meth abuse and encourage aggressive prosecution of meth producers and users. I was a cosponsor of the Combat Meth Act, which authorizes funds to provide training to state and local prosecutors and law enforcement agents for investigation and prosecution of meth offenses. This legislation was included in the reauthorization of the USA Patriot Act and was signed into law in March. I'm pleased these measures were implemented to increase the safety of communities across South Dakota, and I will continue to work to find a solution that will help defeat the scourge of meth in our communities."

http://thune.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=367&Month=11&Year=2006