IOWA:

Because of Iowa’s unique geographic location, with two intersecting state highways, it is a vulnerable target for domestic methamphetamine production in rural areas and for distribution to and from other states.

In 1998 agents from the Division of Narcotics Enforcement (DNE) seized 155 pounds, up from 10 pounds in 1994. In 1994 clandestine labs were nonexistent, by 1998 agents closed down 320 labs. Despite the large number of labs, DNE agents believe that 90% of the meth consumed in Iowa is manufactured elsewhere and smuggled into the state.

Treatment statistics: Clients seeking treatment at state-funded treatment centers increased from 2% in 1994 to 12% in 1997.

Strategy: In January 1999, Gov. Tom Vilsack (D) unveiled a $4 million education and treatment package targeted to halt meth abuse.

Included in this package:

  • Hiring new lab specialists for the Criminal Investigations Division.
  • Creating a 13 member lab-response team.
  • $1.25 million to expand and lengthen treatment time for addicts.
  • Revising education curriculums to include meth education.
  • Placing education programs in the workplace.
  • Developing community-based programs for local efforts.
  • A sentencing proposal that would require a 99-year sentence for those who manufacture and sell meth to minors.

Iowa’s legislature is also considering proposals to enhance sentencing penalties for meth production and distribution. Iowa has also launched a statewide public awareness campaign to educate communities about the dangers of meth.

The goals include:

  • Making methamphetamine part of the Iowa citizen’s vocabulary.
  • Helping citizens recognize and identify meth activity in their communities.

In 1998, a mobile methamphetamine exhibit traveled throughout Iowa in a stock car trailer formerly used as a clandestine lab. The exhibit included a mock clandestine lab, an interactive computer kiosk, audio and video presentations and literature on meth. The exhibit provided training to parents, teachers, hospital workers, and law enforcement on how to recognize and respond to clandestine lab activity in their neighborhoods.

Working with HIDTA:

Public awareness efforts include the MethEd Project, a joint effort between the state of Iowa and the Midwest HIDTA. The MethEd Project involves drug curriculum development targeting middle-school age children. HIDTA is funding software development which will be used in a mobile methamphetamine learning center. The mobile unit will travel throughout the state to provide this drug curriculum to Iowa’s school districts.

For more information about the Wyoming Initiative, see The Rising Methamphetamine Crisis: An Examination of State Responses, published in Policy and Practice, a quarterly publication of the National Criminal Justice Association, www.sso.org/ncja.

Or contact: Dale Woolery, acting director, Governor’s Alliance Substance Abusse, Lucas State Office Building, 2nd Floor, Des Moines, IA 50319; phone: (515) 281-4518, www.state.ia.us/government/dps/dne/.

Also see: www.lifeormeth.org (sponsored by the Midwest HIDTA).