Davis, Gordon Fight Meth Problem In Upper Cumberland March 14, 2003

WASHINGTON, D.C. -- U.S. Reps. Lincoln Davis (TN-04) and Bart Gordon (TN-06) have secured $500,000 to help law enforcement agencies fight methamphetamine labs plaguing the Upper Cumberland region.

Part of the Community Oriented Policing Services budget for fiscal year 2003, the federal funding has been earmarked for Tennessee's 13th Judicial District Drug Task Force. The Task Force will use the money to combat methamphetamine production in Clay, Cumberland, DeKalb, Overton, Pickett, Putnam and White counties.

"This much-needed money will go a long way in assisting our dedicated law enforcement officials in eradicating the growing problem of methamphetamine use," Davis said. "Meth has ruined many lives. It's vital we come up with a comprehensive strategy and pool our resources to rid society of this menace."

Methamphetamine, also known by users as "crank," is an extremely addictive stimulant made from over-the-counter drugs and common household chemicals. Local law enforcement face tremendous struggles in dealing with the meth problem because the labs producing the illicit drug are often saturated with hazardous and explosive chemicals.

"Meth labs are popping up everywhere it seems, probably because of the ease with which the dangerous drug can be made," Gordon said. "Mobile meth labs have been found in apartments, houses, sheds and even in the trunks of automobiles.

"And the highly volatile chemicals that are used to make the drug can be just as dangerous. Explosions at these clandestine labs have hurt a lot of people over the years. Methamphetamine production is a scourge that endangers lives in all kinds of ways."

The federal money will help train local law enforcement how to properly handle and clean up hazardous materials found at meth labs. The congressman consulted with state Sen. Charlotte Burks and other local officials to develop a plan to fight methamphetamine production in the Upper Cumberland.

"The people who abuse methamphetamine exhibit very bizarre and violent behavior," said District Attorney General Bill Gibson. "We've seen a lot of domestic violence with this drug."

"And it's created a dangerous situation for the children who have to live in this environment because the people who abuse and make meth seem to loose concern for their children."

According to Gibson, the state's Department of Children's Services has taken 38 children out of area homes so far this year because of the problem. Last year, he said, DCS officials removed 80 children from area homes.

"I've been in law enforcement in the prosecutor's office for about 24 years now," Gibson said. "This is the worst and most far-reaching drug problem we've seen in this area. We're sort of at our wit's end on how to handle this."

Davis and Gordon are strong supporters of local law enforcement and are committed to helping those agencies fight illegal methamphetamine production in the Upper Cumberland.