ARIZONA 360

Episode 149

This week, Arizona 360 looks into the rise of meth seizures at the southern border, and its growing prevalence among opioid users. We also report on a lawsuit that accuses Arizona of violating the National Voter Registration Act. Plaintiffs say it may have led to voter suppression in the 2018 midterm election. FAMILY SHARES ADDICT’S STORY: The parents of 27-year-old Kelsey Beitel share their daughter’s story with Lorraine Rivera. Beitel died in October after struggling with an addiction to opioids and methamphetamine for several years. Her parents are now advocating for legislative change that would have given them a greater say over their daughter’s treatment. DOCTOR ON ADDICTION: Kelsey Beitel’s doctor, Leonard Ditmanson, explains why meth is increasingly being used in conjunction with heroin. Dr. Ditmanson also discusses factors that lead to addiction, as well as challenges with treatment. DEA ON MEXICO PRODUCTION: DEA Special Agent in Charge Doug Coleman breaks down why meth production has largely shifted into Mexico, and how it is distributed across the U.S. VOTER SUPPRESSION LAWSUIT: Nancy Montoya reports on an ACLU lawsuit that accuses Arizona of violating the National Voter Registration Act, which potentially led to some ballots remaining uncounted in last November’s election. The issue has to do with when Arizonans report a change of address at the MVD.