NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Sergeant Dan Green

816-622-0800

A083011

August 30, 2005



EMPHASIS: Seizure of a Clandestine Methamphetamine laboratory in Jackson County





On August 30, 2005 the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the West Central Missouri Drug Task Force recorded the second seizure of a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in this area as a direct result of legislation passed during the 2005 legislative session. Arrested as a result of the investigation was Scott Stewart, 34, Lee's Summit, Missouri on charges of trafficking in drugs first degree near schools, a class A felony, and three counts of endangering the welfare of a child first degree, a class C felony.



As part of the continuing fight against the scourge of methamphetamine, the Missouri Legislature recently passed legislation restricting the sale, purchase, and possession of ephedrine and pseudoephedrine. Those drugs, which are contained in many over-the-counter cold and allergy medications, are also used in the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine. One of the new provisions requires sellers to keep a log of purchases and requires purchasers to show a photo ID.



The Missouri State Highway Patrol and the West Central Missouri Task Force have been conducting sweeping investigations of compliance with this new provision. Law enforcement officers in Missouri and Kansas have been inspecting purchase logs in Western Missouri and Eastern Kansas.



The above charges are mere accusations and are not evidence of guilt. Evidence in support of the charges must be presented before a court of competent jurisdiction whose duty is to determine guilt or innocence.