METHAMPHETAMINE - A TOP TARGET OF CLINTON DRUG FIGHT - Vol.30 No.18 - May 3, 1996

Oct 13, 2026

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Methamphetamine is described as a fast-growing, home-brewed drug becoming a priority target of the Clinton Administration’s anti-narcotics strategy. The piece traces its spread from California to the Far West and Southwest and cites violence and public-health harms, including neurological effects, increased risks such as stroke and psychosis, and impacts on families from users and dangers from production labs. It also summarizes new federal plans, Mexico-related coordination, and measures tied to the April 29 initiative aimed at reducing drug use and combating trafficking.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

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METHAMPHETAMINE: A Top Target of Clinton Drug Fight

Four Ways To Use Meth

The New "Old" Drug Strategy

Unmarked Cars Issue Review

Vol.30 No.18 # METHAMPHETAMINE A TOP TARGETOF CLINTON DRUG FIGHT A relatively cheap drug once used mainly bymotorcycle gangs but now growing in popularity isbecoming a priority target of the Clinton Adminis-tration's anti-narcotics strategy. Methamphetamine,a home-brewed concoc-tion known by the nicknames meth,crank andspeed,is the fastest-growing drug problem in muchof the Far West and Southwest.With roots inCalifornia,the drug has quickly spread into Ore-gon,Washington and Arizona,according to Feder-al law enforcement officials. One gang war over methamphetamine busi-ness resulted in 20 homicides in San Diego in1993,the officials say. Meth has a potent effect on the centralnervous system.Officials blame it for a panoply ofills,including increased risk of stroke and psycho-sis,greater incidence of domestic violence andchild abuse in users'families and danger to publichealth and the environment from labs that "cook"the drug. Use is heaviest in areas around Los Angeles,Phoenix,San Diego and San Francisco,but thedrug also has become available in wholesale quanti-ties in some Midwestern areas and is encroachingon the South,an Administration official said onApril 29. Law enforcement seizures of the drug wereup about eightfold between 1991 and 1995. The new anti-drug strategy that PresidentClinton unveiled April 29 includes a methamphet-amine battle plan. See METH,page two) May 3,1996 Page 1 IN THIS ISSUE METHAMPHETAMINE:Targeted By Clinton … …1 UNMARKED CARS:Debate ContinuesIn S.C.As N.Y.Govemor Bans Use…… …… …1 COURT SECURITY:NSA Offers 3-Volume Study.………5 NEWARK:Mayor Rescinds Restrictive Pursuit Policy……6 JOB LISTINGS…… …………… …… …7 IN THE COURTS… … …… …… …7 BATF:Use Of Force OK,GAO Finds… … …10 UNMARKED CARS ISSUEREVIEWED IN SEVERAL STATESAS RESULT OF S.C.INCIDENT A steady stream of opposition from state andlocal police before a legislative committee in SouthCarolina in mid-April threw a roadblock in front ofattempts to limit the use of unmarked cars. "If you take this important tool away fromus,we cannot be held responsible for the ensuingincrease in the death rate,"state Public SafetyDirector Boykin Rose said. (See UNMARKED CARS,page three) METH,from page one) "The entire problem needs a comprehensive,frontal and immediate attack,"said the official,speaking on condition of anonymity."This issomething that can be contained and better thanthat,even reduced." The White House announced in March crea-tion of a high-level group to plan "coordinated andurgent"action with Mexico against drug traffick-ers,most notably in cocaine.The U.S.group isheaded by the new White House drug czar,retiredArmy Gen.Barry McCaffrey. The Pentagon recently negotiated withMexico on details of a plan to train Mexican sol-diers for anti-drug missions.Most methampheta-mine coming into this country is smuggled fromMexico by gangs. # Four Ways To Use Meth Police report increased use in groups rangingfrom curious teenagers and weight-conscious housewivesto hardened addicts,although users continue to bepredominantly white men aged 19 to 40.Some cocaineusers also are reported switching to methamphetamine. Law enforcement officials say there are indica-tions it is spreading into Hispanic communities,becausethe distribution networks are usually Mexican or Mexi-can-American. Meth is a mix of ephedrine,a naturally occurringdrug used to treat asthma and stuffy noses,with otherchemicals readily available in gasoline,rubbing alcohol,pool-cleaning supplies or drain cleaners. It can be inhaled,smoked,injected or takenorally.The drug's euphoric high often is followed bydeep depression and paranoia.Long-term users oftenleap into violent rages. Some authorities say the drug is to the'90s whatcocaine wus to the'80s.But meth--at an average $50 to$100 a gram--is cheaper than cocaine,more readilyavailable and longer lasting. # The New "Old"Drug Strategy Criticized as weak i

FAQs

Methamphetamine为什么会成为克林顿政府的重点打击对象？

文中指出该药物在美国西部和西南部快速扩散，并被视为需要采取“全面、正面、立即”的打击行动。

文中提到的主要健康与社会危害有哪些？

文中称其对中枢神经系统有强烈影响，可能增加中风与精神病风险，并与家庭暴力、儿童虐待等问题相关；还提到毒品实验室“炼制”带来的公共健康与环境风险。

政府的反毒新策略包含哪些关键安排？

文中提到总统于4月29日在迈阿密公布针对大麻使用上升与甲基苯丙胺传播的行动；同时通过白宫协调机制与墨西哥进行“协调且紧急”的反毒合作，并将资源重点放在教育、预防、治疗与打击相关犯罪与暴力上。

Oct 13, 2026

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