Sen. Kit Bond secures funds to fight meth

In recent years, Missouri has become known as the meth capital of the United States. The state’s central location, small towns, national forest acres, rural makeup and number of interstate highways serve as a draw for meth cookers, distributors, dealers and smugglers.

“Our law enforcement officials are on the front line of the meth battle, and these funds will help them meet critical equipment, clean-up and manpower needs,” said Bond, a senior member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.

The secured funds are part of the fiscal year 2006 Commerce, State, Justice Appropriations Conference Report.

In 2000, Bond secured seed money to start the relief team in order to fight meth in Missouri. Since the program begin, Bond has secured more than $15 million, including the latest $1.75 million.

The relief team coordinates efforts with regional drug task forces and sheriff’s departments throughout Missouri. About 10,000 arrests for methamphetamine possession have been made since the team was implemented in 2001.