Gov. Blagojevich signs legislative package aimed at halting the ravages of methamphetamine in Illinois

GRANITE CITY - In an effort to curb the alarming problem of methamphetamine production and use ravaging Illinois communities, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich signed several new laws that give law enforcement more tools to protect Illinois families and farmers.  The comprehensive legislative package creates new criminal offenses to help law enforcement crack down on people who assist in the dangerous meth-manufacturing process, gives meth-addicted inmates access to treatment and help before they're released back into their communities, and provides local law enforcement agencies with more support in closing down and cleaning up illegal meth labs.  The Governor was joined by Attorney General Lisa Madigan, lawmakers and law enforcement officials. 

 

In addition to signing legislation, Gov. Blagojevich announced more than $3.5 million in federal funds that the state will use to help communities in 61 counties combat the highly addictive drug.

 

"Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive drugs on the streets right now.  It not only destroys the lives of users, but it can pose huge dangers to families and entire communities where it is manufactured and used," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "We're marshaling our resources and coordinating with law enforcement at every level to stop the meth epidemic.  These new laws will give local law enforcement more support in their efforts to protect their communities, ensure kids whose caregivers fall into the meth trap have safe and appropriate care, and help addicts who go to prison get help before they go home."

 

Methamphetamine, or meth, is a powerful stimulant that affects the central nervous system, and is derived from ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, commonly used in cold medicine.  Statistics show that meth is a growing problem in Illinois.  In 1997, law enforcement seized 24 meth labs.  By 2004, that number increased substantially to 959.  The drug has quickly become the most dangerous and perplexing problem for law enforcement, particularly in Central and Southern Illinois.

 

The Governor signed Senate Bill 562, the new Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act, initiated by Attorney General Lisa Madigan and sponsored by Sen. William R. Haine (D-Alton) and Rep. John Bradley (D-Marion). The new law creates a new, dedicated statute for crimes related to the manufacture, distribution, and use of meth.  Senate Bill 562:

"While methamphetamine can be imported, it very often is ‘homegrown' here in Illinois - made in someone's kitchen or the trunk of a car.  The Methamphetamine Control and Community Protection Act recognizes that meth is different than other drugs: meth manufacture can cause just as much harm - sometimes even more harm - than its distribution and use," Attorney General Madigan said. "This new law offers greater protection to those who are most endangered by the manufacture of meth in Illinois, including children, law enforcement, families and entire communities."

 

The new statute created by SB 562 is expected to improve the ability of law enforcement and prosecutors to hold meth offenders responsible for their crimes. It goes in to effect 30 days from today, on September 11^th, 2005.

 

"We have got to take a stand against this drug and we have to act now," said Sen. Haine. "There's a lot at stake for our communities and we have an obligation to ensure an individual's rights to live in a safe environment."

 

"I am proud that the Governor is signing Senate Bill 562 and House Bill 2411 today," said Rep. Bradley. "The Governor recognizes the crisis that we have in this state regarding methamphetamine and he is taking the significant steps to work with us in addressing this issue."

 

 "This new law will make it easier for law enforcement officers to bring charges against and prosecute the criminals who produce methamphetamine," said Rep. Daniel Beiser (D-East Alton), a co-sponsor of SB 562. "Meth producers are popping up in our neighborhoods all over this area and it is becoming more of a problem every day.  I held a town hall meeting to address this growing concern and I am committed to protecting families from the problems associated with this deadly drug.  I appreciate the attention the Governor has given this issue by signing SB 562 into law."

 

In addition to signing critical legislation to combat meth, the Governor earmarked more than $3.5 million in federal funding to crack down on meth-making, selling, and use of meth and other illicit drugs throughout Illinois. This funding will aid 20 multijurisdictional narcotics units fighting drug crimes in 61 Illinois counties.  

 

"Some of our law enforcement agencies in smaller, rural areas are overwhelmed with the growing demand on resources and manpower that the meth epidemic requires," said Gov. Blagojevich.  "This funding will provide a much-needed boost to rural counties as they continue working on the frontlines to fight this epidemic."

 

The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA) will administer Justice Assistance Grant funds to multijurisdictional narcotics units, also known as metropolitan enforcement groups (MEGs) and drug task forces, throughout the state. The ICJIA is the state agency designated by the Governor to administer Justice Assistance Grant funds awarded to Illinois by the U.S. Department of Justice.

 

Each unit creates individualized strategies to address the drug problems facing each county. Methamphetamine remains a major focus of task forces in central and southern Illinois. Seizure of marijuana, heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, and other designer drugs are priorities for northern counties, including DuPage, Kane, and Lake. Multijurisdictional narcotics units were first introduced in 1991. In 2004, MEGs and task forces:

 

 

"These units have made a significant impact on the drug trade in Illinois," said Authority Executive Director Lori G. Levin. "We want to support their efforts by providing the resources they need to fight the production, sale, and use of illegal drugs across the state."

 

The counties receiving funding, along with the amount of the grants, are listed at the bottom of this release.

Gov. Blagojevich also signed the following bills addressing the manufacturing of methamphetamine:

"House Bill 2411 recognizes that these people have a problem," said Sen. Forby.  "They've fallen victim to a very powerful narcotic and need our help to get their lives back under control."

 

"We must equip our judges with the knowledge needed to better understand how methamphetamine effects individuals, communities, and all persons involved dealing with a drug as volatile and complicated as methamphetamine.  There is too great a risk in having these offenders released unnecessarily, only to return to their community to manufacture more meth," said Sen. Hunter.

Sen. Righter added, "My main concern is for the citizens in southern and central Illinois where methamphetamine and problems associated with this readily attainable, highly addictive poison have already taken a toll. Under the new law, the individuals who choose to place others in harm's way will now bear the responsibility. We hope that their arrest, conviction, and the associated fine will lessen the financial burden for innocent victims and assist law enforcement their efforts to combat methamphetamine production and abuse."

 

In February, under the direction of Gov. Blagojevich, the Illinois State Police (ISP) formed six dedicated Methamphetamine Response Teams responsible for investigating, seizing, and dismantling clandestine drug laboratories.  The teams are located throughout Illinois and are dedicated to meth operations and available to assist local police agencies and task forces, especially in the area of manpower issues or concerns. The Illinois State Police offers these indicators of a clandestine lab: