Boozman Introduces Anti-Meth Bill

Press Release

Boozman Introduces Anti-Meth Bill

U.S. Representative John Boozman (R-AR) today introduced critical legislation to protect America's children from drug dealers who market directly to minors.

H.R. 2425, the "Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act" amends current drug law to enhance penalties for those who manufacture drugs designed to appeal to minors due to enhanced packaging, coloring, or flavoring.

Additionally, the Boozman bill also specifically targets flavored methamphetamine, a version of the drug specially colored, and specifically made, to have a candy-like taste. This new type of product has spread across the nation since the start of 2007. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, drug dealers are pushing flavored meth in order to lure in children as new customers by creating the impression the candy-like taste makes the drug less dangerous.

The "Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act" doubles the maximum penalties that judges may impose for on drug traffickers who design controlled substances to appeal to children. In methamphetamine cases, it doubles the mandatory minimum that judges must impose.

"There is only one reason why drug manufacturers and dealers would make their poison taste like candy: to prey on our children," Boozman said. "This new product is not going after those who are already hooked. Meth is usually bitter tasting. Sweetening meth makes it easier to ingest. Flavored meth is meant to lure in the new user, in the hopes of making them a long-term customer.

"Marketing meth and other illict drugs this way is the equivalent of child abuse; the dealers of this junk are child abusers," Boozman added.

According to reports, strawberry, chocolate, and cola are some of the flavors being manufactured.

"When the dealers and manufacturers change tactics, we must as well," Boozman continued. "The goal of this bill is to tell the meth dealers, and all others who tweak their illegal drug formulas and packaging, to keep away from our children. If you don't, there will be severe penalties associated due to the bad choice you made."

The "Stop Marketing Illegal Drugs to Minors Act" was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

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