Seattle, WA – Together with federal, state, and local agencies, and the Office of National Drug Control Policy, the Coast Guard will observe National Methamphetamine Awareness Day Thursday.
National Methamphetamine Awareness Day brings awareness and attention to the problem of methamphetamine use in the United States.
Operating a vessel under the influence of meth is dangerous. Like other drugs and alcohol, meth can cause impaired judgment, fatigue and erratic behavior. Meth use among fishermen is especially hazardous because they work around dangerous equipment, often in harsh weather.
People who use drugs while operating vessels place themselves, their shipmates and other mariners in danger. Anyone who operates a vessel under the influence of drugs or alcohol can be subject to state, federal, civil and criminal penalties including imprisonment or fines.
In February, 2006, three men were killed when their fishing vessel, the Catharine M, broke up and sank near the mouth of Tillamook Bay, Ore. Toxicology reports later revealed that all three men had recently used meth. Had the captain lived, he could have been charged with manslaughter or negligent homicide.
For more information about National Methamphetamine Awareness Day, visit the Office of National Drug Control Policy website
Technorati Tags: Coast Guard, drug control, Tillamook Bay, Oregon, meth
