Councilman Tom Simplot's
Neighborhood News Council Corner
Fighting Neighborhood Meth Labs
Crimes in our neighborhoods are rarely isolated incidents, particularly drug-related crimes. Users steal to support their habit. Drug users and pushers commit violent crimes to protect their interests and intimidate residents who try to stop them.
However, there are opportunities to halt illegal activity. As of mid-April, with the legislative session nearing an end, the Arizona legislature was considering a bill to restrict the sale of pseudoephedrine, a chemical found in over-the-counter medications like Sudafed. Combined with household items, pseudoephedrine makes the illegal and dangerous drug methamphetamine.
This bill was introduced by Rep. Tom O'Halleran and supported by Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard. It would not eliminate Sudafed cold medication. It only would restrict access to one form of the drug — tablets. Liquid and gel cap forms would still be available.
Our residents need protection from the pollution and toxins of meth drug houses. It takes dangerous chemicals - hydrochloric acid, drain cleaner, battery acid and lantern fuel — to make meth. The chemicals poison homes and innocent people and put neighbors and law enforcement at risk. But none of them are useful without pseudoephedrine.
If we restrict access to this core ingredient, meth labs will shut down. Our community can recoup the more than $300,000 in expenses each captured meth lab incurs. Our residents will be safer. Please tell your legislator to support this kind of legislation. It's the right choice.
Councilman Tom Simplot represents District 4. You can contact his office with questions, comments or suggestions at 602-262-7447 or e-mail council.district.4@phoenix.gov .
