Bill to Fight Meth Imports Heads to Full Senate

The full Senate Appropriations Committee has given its approval to a bill that could land meth importers behind bars for life. Sen. Charles Wyrick is principal author of Senate Bill 1713. Wyrick, D-Fairland, said his legislation will help the state enter a new phase in the war against methamphetamine.

“When we passed the Trooper Nik Green Act in 2004, which enacted guidelines for buying over-the-counter cold and allergy medicines used to make meth, we saw a dramatic reduction in the numbers of illegal labs in Oklahoma,” Wyrick explained. “Now we’ve got to go after the criminals who are bringing meth into Oklahoma from the super labs in Mexico.”

Under SB 1713, meth runners could face a penalty of 10 years to life in prison for anyone convicted of importing one or more pounds of methamphetamine. The legislation is part of Governor Brad Henry’s “Mission MethNet” unveiled last month at the State Capitol. The program is aimed at giving law enforcement new tools for the war against meth while providing more prevention education as well as a treatment specifically for meth addiction.

“The Nik Green Act put Oklahoma on the leading edge in the fight against this deadly drug. I believe the other measures being proposed this session, including SB 1713, will soon be replicated around the country,” Wyrick said.

SB 1713 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.