Operation MethBusters

OPERATION METHBUSTERS is an initiative born out of a deep desire to improve the quality of life in the Eastern District of Texas. Specifically, Operation MethBusters will vigorously combat the epidemic of methamphetamine use within the Eastern District of Texas. Operation MethBusters will attack this insidious problem in a comprehensive manner by employing strategies that will result in aggressive prosecutions, effective community and business outreach, and innovational education programs.

OBJECTIVES

To aggressively prosecute criminal offenses involving the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. The illegal distribution of precursor ingredients, especially pseudoephedrine, will be a special emphasis.

Targets of Prosecution

Major methamphetamine manufacturers and their distributors, including those violators who travel across state borders;

Store owners and personnel who are illegally selling products containing pseudoephedrine; and

Pseudoephedrine wholesalers who improperly record or who falsify records concerning the bulk sales of products containing pseudoephedrine.

OUTREACH

To develop an outreach program within the district which will educate business people, pseudoephedrine product wholesalers, and the general public concerning the indicators of methamphetamine manufacture and use as well as the dangers that methamphetamine manufacture and use pose to our communities. A significant facet of the outreach program will be driving home the relevant facts concerning the possible offenses and penalties associated with the illegal manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.

Educational Outreach

Federal, state and local law enforcement: Operation Meth Busters will emphasize and employ proactive strategies in attacking the problem. Utilizing task force concepts and the most effective investigative techniques, Meth Busters will marshal a coherent law enforcement response to the worst methamphetamine violators.

Store owners and wholesalers, including those business people who unwittingly provide products that are essential to the manufacture of methamphetamine.

The general public, especially schools and civic groups.

MEASURING RESULTS

To measure the results of the Meth Busters initiative on at least a semi-annual basis through the collection of statistics related to the arrest and prosecution of offenses involving the manufacture of methamphetamine and the illegal distribution of precursor products such as pseudoephedrine.

Statistics to be Collected:

An accurate count of federal, state and local law enforcement arrests.

An accurate count of convictions from the US Attorney's Office and the participating District Attorneys Offices who will be working in concert throughout the Eastern District of Texas

An accurate analysis of the number of businesses contacted concerning the prevention of the illegal diversion of pseudoephedrine products.