Office of Governor Gary Locke
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 8, 1998
Contact:  Governor's Communications Office, 360-902-4136

Locke seeks funding to beef up the state's response to `meth' labs

MARYSVILLE — Gov. Gary Locke today announced a new initiative to help local law enforcement agencies crack down on the growing number of methamphetamine labs around the state.

Locke said he will ask the 1999 Legislature for funding to add eight full-time members to the Washington State Patrol's Statewide Incident Response Team (SIRT), which receives more calls every year from local police and sheriffs seeking help in the specialized work of tearing down "meth" labs and gathering evidence against the operators.

Joined by SIRT Commander Lt. Jim Chromey, the Governor watched as a team from the State Patrol tore into a seized automobile that contained a portable meth lab. SIRT members wore protective clothing to shield them from the toxic chemicals used in manufacturing the drug.

Because of the specialized training and equipment needed to respond to meth labs, local law enforcement agencies throughout the state are increasingly turning to the State Patrol for help. According to Lt. Chromey, SIRT received 133 calls for assistance from local police and sheriff's offices in 1997 and has already received 165 calls so far this year. Lt. Chromey said the Patrol cannot respond to all requests for assistance because the 15 current troopers assigned to SIRTI also have other duties.

That is why the Governor will recommend that the 1999 Legislature approve funding to approve the funding necessary to add eight members to the Patrol's response team, who would work on the state's meth problem full time. Earlier this year, the Legislature adopted Locke's proposal to double the sentences for criminals convicted of manufacturing methamphetamine, but did not approve his plan to beef up the response team.

"Stiffer penalties alone will not stem the growing hazard these drug labs present to our communities if law enforcement doesn't have the resources to arrest the dealers and shut these operations down," Locke said. "I've got zero tolerance for this kind of dangerous and irresponsible behavior."

Locke noted that new methods for manufacturing meth are highly mobile and can be transported in cars and vans across the state. Meth labs are frequently set up in rented houses, motels, and even campgrounds and motor homes.

The Governor's proposal would add seven new detective positions, a sergeant, and support staff to help local law enforcement investigate and arrest manufacturers of methamphetamine, execute search warrants, and secure lab sites and evidence. Locke said he will include $1.5 million in his 1999-01 budget request to help bring meth lab operators to justice and protect the people of the state.

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