REGULATIONS AIM TO CUT DRUG CRIME

Drug addiction is a serious global problem. Millions of people are hooked on illicit street drugs, over-the-counter remedies and prescription drugs including OxyContin, Hydrocodone, Lortab and Vicodin.

Addiction and crime go hand-in-hand. The scrap metal business is attractive to users who rely on quick cash to fuel their habits. Because of this, many dealers have switched to paying by check. Many states and local governments have legislation in place or under consideration to regulate scrap metal sales. Some require dealers to wait a few days before selling purchased scrap metal, and some are required to keep detailed logs on the seller and the metals being bought.

In 2007, the Washington state governor signed a bill into law to regulate scrap metal sales to cut down on drug-related theft. Sen. Rodney Tom, D-Bellevue, who sponsored the bill, said “This new law creates standards for exchanging scrap metal for cash, and will help cut down on drug crime.”