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Methamphetamine ... the No. 1 drug law enforcement battles today

           "It is estimated that more than 12 million Americans have tried methamphetamine, and there are 1.5 million people who regularly use meth. You can find places that manufacture meth in every State in America, and in homes in both rich and poor neighborhoods.  Nationwide law enforcement officers rank methamphetamine the No. 1 drug they battle today.  According to Newsweek Magazine "in a survey of 500 law-enforcement agencies in 45 states released last month by the National Association of Counties, 58 percent said meth is their biggest drug problem, compared with only 19 percent for cocaine, 17 percent for pot and 3 percent for heroin."  http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8770112/site/newsweek/?g=1
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       We have gathered what we feel is critical information and websites regarding this growing drug problem plaguing not only the United States, but a growing epidemic right here in our neighborhoods at home.  We hope that the following information will be an educational aid throughout our community in understanding METH, recognizing the signs of its use, and understanding how to battle its intrusion into our neighborhoods and into the lives of our family members.

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 What are Methamphetamines?

           "Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder and chunks.  An amphetamine is a chemical that has stimulant properties similar to adrenaline.  Like adrenaline, methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and are extremely addictive.  After the effects of meth wears off, it can cause severe withdrawal that is more intense and longer lasting than both speed and cocaine.  Methamphetamines may be known as meth, crank, glass, speed, crystal, ice, batu, chalk, shabu, or zip".
( Also known by other slang names )                                          http://www.kci.org/meth_info/links.htm
    

What os used to make Methamphetamines?

Common Chemicals Used to Make Methamphetamine:

        "Alcohol (Isopropyl or rubbing alcohol), Toluene (brake cleaner), Ether (engine starter), Sulfuric Acid (drain cleaner), Red Phosphorus (matches/road flares), Salt (table/rock), Iodine (teat dip or flakes/crystal), Lithium (batteries), Trichloroethane (gun scrubber), MSM (cutting agent), Sodium Metal, Methanol/Alcohol (gasoline additives), Muriatic Acid, Anhydrous Ammonia (farm fertilizer), Sodium Hydroxide (lye), Pseudoephedrine (cold tablets), Ephedrine (cold tablets), Acetone, Cat Litter"  http://www.streetdrugs.org/methlabs2.htm

Typical Equipment Used to Make Methamphetamine:
    
        "Pyrex or Corning dishes (glass), Jugs/bottles, Paper towels, coffee filters, thermometer, cheesecloth, funnels, blenders, rubber tubing/gloves, pails/buckets, gas cans, tape/clamps, internet documents/notes, "How to Make Methamphetamine" books, Aluminum foil, Propane cylinders (20-lb), Hotplates, plastic storage containers/ice chests, measuring cups, towels/bed sheets, laboratory beakers/glassware. " http://www.streetdrugs.org/methlabs2.htm

Are there signs to look for to see if there is a Meth Lab in my
http://www.co.benton.ar.us/Court/ProAtt/MethLabs.htm

Here are some of the things to watch for :

bulletUnusual strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).
bulletResidences with windows blacked out.
bulletRenters who pay their landlords in cash (most drug dealers deal exclusively in cash).
bulletLarge amounts of traffic - people coming and going at unusual hours. There may be little traffic during the day and large amounts at night.
bulletExcessive trash, including large quantities of: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner containers and duct tape.
bulletUnusual quantities of clear glass containers being brought into the home.
bulletPresence of the following items could also indicate the presence of a meth lab:
bulletAlcohol, Ether, Benzene, Toluene/Paint Thinner, Freon, Acetone, Chloroform, Camp Stove/Coleman Fuel, Starting Fluid, Anhydrous Ammonia, "Heet", White Gasoline, Phenyl-2-Propane, Phenylacetone, Phenylpropanolamine, Iodine Crystals, Red Phosphorus, Black Iodine, Lye (Red Devil Type), Drano, Muriatic/Hydrochloric Acid, Battery/Sulphuric Acid, Epsom Salts, Lithium Batteries, Sodium Metal, Wooden Matches, Propane Cylinders, Hot Plates, Ephedrine (over the counter), Cold Tablets, Bronchodialators, Energy Boosters, Rock Salt and Diet Aids.

http://www.co.benton.ar.us/Court/ProAtt/MethLabs.htm

       "Obviously the presence of any of these items is not an automatic indicator of the presence of a meth lab. However, combinations of these items or large quantities of these items may be a sign of a methamphetamine laboratory.    METHAMPHETAMINE LABS ARE VERY DANGEROUS!!!  If you encounter a Meth lab, contact law enforcement and stay away! The threats posed by clandestine labs are not limited to fire, explosion, poison gas, drug abuse, and booby traps; the chemical contamination of the hazardous waste contained in these labs also poses a serious danger to our nation's environment. Each pound of methamphetamine generated in a clandestine lab can result in as much as five pounds of toxic waste, which clandestine lab operators routinely dump into our nation's streams, rivers, and sewage systems to cover up the evidence of their illegal operations. In addition, clan lab operators routinely show a blatant disregard for the health and safety of others as evidenced by the number of children who have been present at clan lab sites.  Because of the possibility of explosions and direct contact with toxic fumes and hazardous chemicals, law enforcement officers who raid clandestine drug labs are now required to take special hazardous materials (HAZMAT) handling training. The highly toxic and flammable chemicals involved make these rudimentary laboratories ticking time-bombs that require specialized training to dismantle and clean.  The size of lab does not matter when it comes to the danger level involved in a clandestine laboratory raid. The smaller labs are usually more dangerous than the larger operations because the cooks are generally less experienced chemists who often have little regard for the safety issues that arise when dealing with explosive and poisonous chemicals. However, the size of a clandestine laboratory can be a significant factor in the costs associated with the hazardous waste cleanup. Larger production laboratories usually have larger quantities of toxic chemicals, and therefore more significant hazardous waste disposal charges."   http://www.co.benton.ar.us/Court/ProAtt/MethLabs.htm