Meth Freaks and Other Forms of Law Enforcement

Let's face it: We're all as tired as a long-haul trucker of the latest cycle of methamphetamine-scare stories.

But law enforcement, especially at the federal level, is just getting cranked up, as this Wash Post article makes clear:

400 Arrested in U.S. Methamphetamine Raids:
Administration Launches Web Site Aimed at Teenagers

…Facing growing criticism that the federal government is not doing enough to combat methamphetamine use, the Justice Department yesterday announced the results of a week-long raid of drug suppliers and manufacturers and unveiled a Web site aimed at dissuading teenagers from taking up the drug.

More here. You'll read about a growing number of arrests--a stat easily manipulated by cops and one clearly influenced by media hysteria (if the press says there's a meth panic, we better bust some meth labs, which in turn fuels more press)--but search in vain for any sign of increasing use or devestation linked to meth.

The one novelty here: The unveiling of the taxpayer-funded Web site Just Think Twice, which is aimed at teens and features the old rotting teeth gag as the ultimate anti-meth tactic.

Snort a few lines of recent Reason coverage of Methapalooza 2005 here, here, here, and here. And for a key to understanding the large "new drug of choice" narrative for which the press has a Tony Montana-like appetite, go here.