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Meth is still a problem

Staff reporter

Recent reports indicate fewer methamphetamine labs were seized in 2006 than in previous years.

Does this mean there are fewer people using meth?

"No," said Marion County Sheriff Lee Becker.

"Yes, there were fewer meth labs that were busted but not because of less use," he said.

Public education is the number one factor, Becker continued, that can be attributed to the reduction of seizures.

Residents and motorists are more aware of the signs of meth manufacturing and have alerted law enforcement when suspicious activity is taking place. Community information sessions such as block parties and presentations by law enforcement officers also have been successful.

Also recent legislation has helped.

Following the death of Greenwood County Sheriff Matt Samuels, lawmakers stepped up in June 2005, and required pharmacies to limit the amount of ephedrine/pseudo-ephedrine tablets, known meth-making ingredients, that could be sold to any one person at one time. Sales are limited to three packages within a seven-day period. Customers must show identification and sign a pharmacy log. The law does not apply to liquid, liquid capsules, or gel caps.

State-based research indicates that since this law has been in effect, the number of lab seizures has decreased by 65 percent.

These measures with efforts from law enforcement have contributed to the decline, Becker said.

Kansas Law Enforcement Training Center and other agencies provide at least an eight-hour training course on drugs and narcotics with meth being the primary topic.

Kansas Highway Patrol offers a two-hour class on meth awareness in addition to eight hours on impairing drugs which includes a discussion of meth.

Less than a month ago, a local law enforcement officer stopped a man from Saline County who was passing through Marion County on one of the local highways.

"He had one-half pound of methamphetamine that he had picked up in Lyon County," Becker said. The man had local ties and was just "passing through" Marion County.

Another factor for state statistics to be lower for meth busts, Becker said, is the meth producer is getting better at his game, figuring out more obscure ways to manufacture and distribute the drug. Mass production and importation have added more woes to the war on drugs.

Other state-based programs are:

— Kansas Meth Watch program began in May 2001 and is administered by Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Fifteen major retailers currently participate in the program.

— Drug interdiction traffic stops have been occurring since 1993 for all drugs, however there is no way to determine the exact impact meth has had on traffic safety.

— Kansas Alliance for Drug Endangered Children was formed as a way to protect children found at meth labs. The programs develop response teams that include many partners and the state alliance that assists communities in helping these children.

No measurement has been done to determine success but children are assessed for health and emotional needs.

Signs of meth labs

Exterior indicators:

— Strong chemical odors often described as smelling like cat urine, ammonia, or nail polish remover.

— Windows heavily covered/blacked out and signs of fortification (i.e. bars on windows).

— Signs of chemical containers and chemical waste such as anhydrous ammonia, red phosphorous, denatured alcohol, hydrogen chloride, paint thinner, ether, and Epsom.

— Signs of trip wires or other mechanisms that can be rigged to alert people inside that someone is approaching.

— Propane tanks with bent or tampered valves.

— An unusual number of discarded over-the-counter cold medicine packages from medications that contain decongestants.

— An abnormally large collection of anti-freeze containers, drain cleaner bottles, lithium batteries, and car starter fluid containers.

— A noticeable build-up of cigarette butts outside a residence or other signs that people may be leaving the building to smoke.

— Signs that electricity has been inexplicably run to a seemingly abandoned building.

Inside indicators:

— Chemical stains on bathroom and kitchen fixtures.

— Red chemically-stained coffee filters.

— Glass lab ware.

— Police scanners and other signs of counter-surveillance.

— Breathing apparatus.

— Protective goggles.

— Protective lab-type clothing.

— Plastic tubing.

— Glass jars.

— Cooking bowls with white powder or residue.

Signs of meth usage

— Agitation.

— Excited speech.

— Inability to stay still.

— Paranoia.

— Signs of insomnia. Users can go many days without sleeping.

— Severe anxiety.

— Confusion.

— Irritability/nervousness.

— Dry, itchy skin.

— Dry mouth.

— Premature aging.

— Rotting teeth.

— Loss of appetite.

— Acne, sores.

— Pupil dilation.

— Hallucinations.

— Gaunt appearance.

— Signs of chemical burns from contact with caustic percursor chemicals and signs of burns on fingers suffered while covering a vent hole on a meth pipe.

Health effects

Many of the contaminants present during the cooking process of methamphetamine can be harmful if someone is exposed to them. These contaminants can cause respiratory problems, skin and eye irritation, headaches, nausea, and dizziness. Acute exposures can cause lung damage and burns to the body.

There is little known about the health effects from chronic, long-term exposure to contaminants. Exposure to meth residues may cause symptoms similar to those experienced by meth users.

If suspicious of any activity, contact local law enforcement.

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