Press Release

FULL REPORTS: Interim Report (PDF) Action Plan

(Washington, D.C.)—John P. Walters, the Nation's Drug Czar; United States Attorney General Alberto Gonzales; and Secretary for Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt jointly presented to Congress today an Interim Report on the National Synthetic Drugs Action Plan. The Action Plan, released in October 2004, is the Nation's first comprehensive plan for attacking methamphetamine and other synthetic drug abuse. The Interim Report was required under the guidelines of the Action Plan. Today's Interim Report directs particular actions against methamphetamine, specifically efforts to control the distribution and marketing of precursor chemicals, which are often found in over-the-counter cold medication and used for the production the highly addictive drug. Prescription drug abuse, which ranks as the second most prevalent drug problem behind marijuana, is another Action Plan concern.

The Interim Report contains the following:

• A recommendation to Congress to close existing loopholes for record-keeping and reporting requirements for products containing pseudoepherine.

• An analysis of innovative pseudoephedrine control programs already implemented in states such as Oklahoma and Oregon which have led to substantial declines in meth labs. Preliminary data shows that the number of meth labs in those states has declined by half since the policies went into effect.

• An update on Federal progress against meth since the release of the Action Plan last October. Areas of progress include increased agency cooperation and action with foreign governments regarding supply control, the ongoing development of an HHS and DOJ "Early Alert and Response Mechanism" which will identify emerging meth epidemics in communities around the Nation, and increased support for the treatment of meth addicts.

• A recommendation that the DEA should have oversight of "spot market" sales of methamphetamine precursors. Existing law does not provide the DEA with this oversight, and some "gray market" distributors have taken advantage of this loophole

"I am pleased with the hard work of Federal agencies to make the synthetic drug abuse problem smaller," stated John P. Walters, Director of National Drug Control Policy. "This report illustrates both the successes and the challenges that we face as a Nation in fighting the spread of methamphetamine, as well as reducing prescription drug abuse. We know that the vast majority of Americans who use cold medication and prescription drugs do so legitimately. We are working to maintain Americans' access to these medications, but reduce the threat of their diversion and abuse. We look forward to continuing our work with Congress as well as state and local governments on a balanced approach, incorporating prevention, treatment, enforcement, and regulatory interventions."

"The Interim Report explains that the methamphetamine threat cannot be defeated without better control of precursor chemicals, like ephedrine and pseudoephedrine, which are used to make the drug. Chemical diversion exists at the retail, wholesale, and international levels, requiring a comprehensive plan to stop diversion at each of these levels," said Attorney General Alberto Gonzales. The Attorney General lauded continuing efforts of agencies such as the Drug Enforcement Administration, in response to recommendations contained in the National Synthetic Drugs Action Plan.

Secretary of Health and Human Services Mike Leavitt said, "The serious addictive threat that is caused by the diversion and abuse of medicines and illegal synthetic drugs requires the Federal government to continue to work cooperatively. I believe we are on the right track to do that."

The Bush Administration's National Synthetic Drugs Action Plan presents administrative, legislative, and enforcement strategies to prevent the abuse of methamphetamine, prescription drugs, and club drugs; to treat those addicted to the drugs; and to impose strict penalties on those who illegally divert or traffic the drugs—either online or on the streets of our communities. To download the National Synthetics Action Plan or the Interim Report, visit www.whitehousedrugpolicy.gov