(October 22, 2007)--Law enforcement officials warn that abuse of prescription painkillers and anti-anxiety drugs is on the rise in Southeast Texas.

They say increased state regulation is required to address the growing problem.

Houston narcotics officers this year have seized nearly 216,000 grams of hydrocodone.

That's up from about 9,000 grams in 2005 and about 58,500 grams in 2006.

Hydrocodone is commonly marketed with acetaminophen as the prescription painkillers Vicodin or Lorcet.

So far this year, Houston police have seized more than 43,000 grams of the anti-anxiety drug Xanax.

In 2005, they seized nearly 2,400 grams of Xanax, and in 2006 more than 10,000 grams.

Narcotics officers told the Houston Chronicle that the Houston area has become a hub for the distribution of illegal drugs.

Houston is considered an entry point for drugs that end up in Georgia, Louisiana and Mississippi.

Earlier this year, Gov. Rick Perry signed a bill that expands Department of Public Safety monitoring of hydrocodone and Xanax.

Narcotics officers want Texas lawmakers to reclassify those drugs into a category with more dangerous, addictive drugs.

That would trigger additional DPS scrutiny.

More Local And State News >>More National News >>More Business News >>Sports >> Weather >>

Save some money! Save a tree! Click here to get your morning news delivered directly to your email.