A pouch containing crystalized methamphetamine and a homemade pipe are shown March 21, 2006 in Window Rock, Ariz. A survey says Meth abuse continues to fuel an increase in crimes like robbery and assault. (AP Photo/Matt York, FILE)
Posted on 07/18/2006 3:24:28 PM PDT by Libloather
Meth still No. 1 drug problem, study finds
By SAM HANANEL, Associated Press Writer
28 minutes ago
A pouch containing crystalized methamphetamine and a homemade pipe are shown March 21, 2006 in Window Rock, Ariz. A survey says Meth abuse continues to fuel an increase in crimes like robbery and assault. (AP Photo/Matt York, FILE)
WASHINGTON - Meth abuse continues to fuel an increase in crimes like robbery and assault, straining the workload of local police forces despite a drop in the number of meth lab seizures, according to a survey Tuesday.
Nearly half of county law enforcement officials consider methamphetamine their primary drug problem, more than cocaine, marijuana and heroin combined, the survey of the National Association of Counties found.
"Abuse of this highly addictive brain-altering drug continues to destroy lives and strain essential county services across America," said Bill Hansell, the association's president and commissioner of Umatilla County, Ore.
The survey of 500 county law enforcement officials in 44 states showed that about half reported a decrease in the number of meth lab busts as a result of laws that restrict the sale of cold medicines with precursor ingredients used in the manufacture of meth.
That's consistent with federal figures released last month showing a 30 percent drop in the number of labs seized nationwide. But county officials said supply of the drug remains high from superlabs in California and Mexico.
About half the counties reported that one in five inmates are jailed because of meth-related crimes like robberies and burglaries. Another 17 percent of counties reported that one in two inmates are incarcerated for meth-related activity.
Hansell called on Congress to develop a comprehensive strategy to deal with the meth problem that includes more funding for anti-drug task forces, drug prevention campaigns, treatment programs and cleanup of toxic chemicals used to make meth.
Last month, the White House drug-policy office set a goal to cut meth use by 15 percent over the next three years and increase seizures of meth labs by 25 percent.
Hansell also urged federal lawmakers to reject a Bush administration proposal to eliminate the Justice Assistance Grant program, which funds drug task forces around the country. That call was echoed by local law enforcement officials at a news conference to announce the survey.
"It makes absolutely no sense to fight a war on drugs, then reduce the funding when you're in the midst of battle," said Oklahoma County Sheriff John Whetsel. About 1,000 of the 2,800 inmates in the Oklahoma County jail are incarcerated for meth-related crimes, he said.
The survey, taken at the end of June, is based on a random sample of sheriffs or police chiefs in 500 of the nation's 3,066 counties. The association does not reveal the identity of the counties because it would discourage them from responding freely, said Jacqueline Byers, NACo's director of research.
Locals described it as, "You can find it everywhere. It's at every party and at every bar. Many folks will approach you to see if you need any."
One teenager laughed at the 'drug free zone' posted at her school. She also said it was everywhere.
Insanity in a powdered form. BTT.
I'm not saying that nobody around here does meth (some people even watch NASCAR), but it's just not impacting here like it is in other parts of the country. I think even the Pennsylvania Amish are having trouble with it!
While I in no way advocate the use of meth or other illicit drugs, I at times wonder how much of this is event and agenda-driven....If a mayor, chief of police, sheriff, etc. tells his personnel to 'crack down on left turn violations,' or 'I want an increased effort on prostitution,' etc. the mere allocation of additional resources and command emphasis will generate a 'rise' in stops for illegal left turns and prostitution arrests...a locality may even report an 'epidemic' of left turn violations and prostitution based on the statistical rise...
Key ingredient to "truck driver" coffee and is found in, just about, every truck stop. Just remember, that aint non-dairy creamer...
LOL! I was wondering when that was gonna show up!!! ;)
So I guess four years would be the most beneficial timeframe for meth consumption.
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lolz
LOL
Yeah, I'm glad they cracked down on allergy sufferers...
Yeah....same as they cracked down on Doctors who used to prescribe pain killers to people who really need them. "The War on Drugs" indeed. I'm getting pissed off now...time to use the legal drug and down a 6-pack in 15 minutes......war on drugs...hah! Chronic pain sufferers can't get legal drugs for their problem and end up going to the street. This whole WoD is a sham and anyone with a half brain would see that.
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FMCDH(BITS)
I've noticed that in Canada too. Here in Toronto it's virtually nonexistant (the drugs of choice here are coke, heroin and marijuana) but meth use is growing in rural areas and in the blue-collar cities of southwestern Ontario.
what are you saying?
I think its a stimulent and was originally legal as an asthma medication. I might be getting that confused with Speed. Speed = Meth?
I know its popular because it is pretty easy to produce. You can make it with over the counter cold medicine and you can buy all the stuff from a hardware store make the finished product.
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