Wisconsin has passed a new law that gets tough -- very tough -- on methamphetamine users. The law makes first-time possession or even attempted possession of meth a felony offense.

The law was a result of an increase of methamphetamine use in the state, cited by Governor Jim Doyle as he signed the legislation. In 1998 the state seized only one meth lab, but by 2001, 44 labs were seized in Wisconsin.

"As Attorney General, I worked in close collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement officials to meet the challenges posed by this dangerous and destructive drug. As governor, I’m happy today to provide law enforcement with an additional tool to prevent methamphetamine use and punish those who would bring this drug into our communities," Gov. Boyle told the Sentinel.

"While methamphetamine use, production and distribution are serious problems statewide, Western Wisconsin — including St. Croix County and its surrounding areas — has borne the brunt of this drug problem," Doyle said. “Meth possession is a felony offense in Minnesota, and we in no way want to encourage those who would break the law and bring harm to our communities to come to Wisconsin because of a weaker penalty in our state. This legislation gives Wisconsin law enforcement officials the appropriate means to charge and punish those who are involved in the methamphetamine trade."

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