Renzi Pushes for Tougher Federal Penalties for Meth Traffickers and Smugglers<br/><br/>

Last Week Announced $1 million to Form Rural Arizona Drug Coalition to Fight Meth WASHINGTON, D.C. - Congressman Rick Renzi (AZ-1), a member of the Congressional Meth Task Force, pushed for tougher federal penalties against meth traffickers and smugglers last week. The new language to crack down on meth production and distribution was included as part of the Patriot Act legislation which passed the House. The language specifically toughen penalties against persons who cook or deal meth in the presence of children, it authorizes new funding for the meth prevention programs and for the meth "Hot Spots" grant program that provides assistance to state and local agencies in dealing with meth labs and trafficking. The legislation also authorizes new grants to help states assist drug-endangered children, as well as addicted women with children. "Meth is a serious problem affecting our local communities in rural Arizona, and securing more federal funds to combat the production and distribution of this deadly drug in rural Arizona is one of my top priorities," said Congressman Renzi. "The measure passed this week will place restrictions on retail sales of precursor chemicals, improve import and wholesale regulations, and provide for international monitoring, while toughening penalties against meth traffickers and smugglers." Last week Congressman Renzi was in Arizona's First District and announced $1 million in new federal funds to help fight meth in rural Arizona. Counties across northern Arizona will be sharing the funding and will form a Rural Arizona Drug Coalition to fight the meth problem.