NCJ Number
87860
Date Published
1980
Length
17 pages
Annotation
Testimony presented to the Committee on clandestine methamphetamine manufacturing revealed that the Philadelphia district office of the Drug Enforcement Administration had identified 161 laboratory operators and another 125 suspects, thus confirming the prevalence of this activity. Approximately 50 percent of the methamphetamine production is controlled by motorcycle gangs.
Abstract
Witnesses testified on the deleterious physiological effects of amphetamines, both because of their chemical effects and the risk that unmonitored laboratory operators often substitute lethal liquids for needed chemical mixing agents. Also, the chance of fire and explosion threatens residents in the area where laboratories are situated. A large percentage of burglaries, robberies, and other major crimes are committed by heavy drug users to obtain money to support their addiction. Despite the dire consequences of this drug use and manufacture, operators, if convicted, serve relatively light sentences (3.5 years average) or are put on probation. Also, suppressed motions and prosecutorial delays slow down prosecution and allow traffickers to carry on their trade. The committee recommends immediate formation of a permanent drug task force using local, State, and Federal law enforcement agencies in the tri-State area of the Delaware Valley. It also recommends broad public education efforts, with specific education programs aimed at fire and police personnel to recognize illegal drug laboratories and the fire and explosive hazards they pose. In addition, the Committee suggests that legal associations study drug convictions and sentencing to develop legislative proposals at the State and Federal level and that drug data be centrally collected by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, the National Institute of Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, and the National Institute of Mental Health.