DA discusses meth program

Hoping to bring more awareness of a continuing problem, the Eastern New Mexico University Criminal Justice Association held a presentation on methamphetamine.

District Attorney Matthew Chandler was the guest speaker at Tuesday’s program, where he outlined his Meth Watch program, which restricts and monitors the sale of over-the-counter pseudoephedrine products used in the production of meth.

He also showed audience members the adverse effects meth can have on a person.

“Educating the public and educating the students and teachers is very important to us,” Chandler said.

Senior criminal Justice and psychology major Raymond Rasco was interested in learning about the problem.

Rasco said he had written a research paper on the subject and already knew a lot of the information that was being presented. He felt it was valuable information that should be presented to help not only educate the public but also those interested in a career in law enforcement.

“All the knowledge that you can receive about crime and how to detect it can make you a better enforcer of the laws,” Rasco said.

Eastern New Mexico University sophomore John McMillian attended the presentation out of curiosity.

“I was interested in what he (Chandler) had to say and I wanted to see and hear what the problem was,” McMillian said.

“We’re seeing a reduction in the lab itself. The Meth Watch has helped to educate the public and retailers of its use,” Chandler said.