On Tuesday, the Michigan Senate approved legislation that will make it harder for people manufacturing meth to obtain a lot of the ingredients and will hopefully discourage them from making meth near schools.

Why this sudden turn in the fight against methamphetamine in Michigan? This map from the Michigan State Police shows exactly why. 

Courtesy of the Michigan State Police
Courtesy of the Michigan State Police
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According to the report from the Michigan State Police, in 2014, there were 494 methamphetamine laboratories seized, an increase of 143 labs when compared to 2013. Methamphetamine-related complaints, including laboratories, dump sites, and glassware seizures, totaled 553 in 2012, 641 in 2013, and 861 in 2014. This is a 34% increase over 2013 and easily surpassed Michigan’s previous record of 760 in 2010.

Right now in Michigan, it is a felony to solicit the purchase cold or allergy medications containing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine for meth production. If someone is convicted of the crime, their name gets added to a pharmacy database that triggers a "stop sale" alert if they attempt to make purchases of the medications in the future.

Senate Bill 424 aims to double fines and prison time for anyone who makes meth within 1,000 feet of a school or library. Currently, if you commit that crime you face up to 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

 

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