NorthwestJanuary 25, 1996

Craig Hill of the Tribune

OLYMPIA Rep. Mark Schoesler introduced a bill Tuesday that would increase penalties for crimes involving methamphetamine.

The drug, which also is called speed, crank and other street names, is quickly becoming the new drug of choice in Spokane and northern Idaho, according to a House of Representatives news release.

"Meth ... is becoming a huge menace in our region," said Schoesler, a Ritzville Republican. "We have to act now before it becomes worse."

Schoesler's bill would increase penalties for creating, delivering or possessing methamphetamine from no more than five years in prison and $10,000 fine to up to 10 years in the slammer and a fine of as much as $25,000.

The measure also would make it a criminal offense to possess ephedrine the primary precursor ingredient for meth production. The fines would be the same as possessing meth, and that's what makes this bill special, Schoesler said.

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The lawmaker said the measure would make it easier to gain a meth-related conviction because it includes the intent to manufacture the drug.

Schoesler believes meth is more dangerous than other drugs because it is easy to make and is inexpensive. Also, the chemicals used are highly volatile and can cause cancer. This creates problems for police and firefighters who have to deal with these materials.

Reps. Larry Sheahan, R-Rosalia, and Democrat William Grant of Walla Walla have also signed on to the bill.

While the bill received its hearing earlier this week, no date has been scheduled for the committee to vote on it.

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