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.
I saved that to my favorites. A great scaring tool. Remember 'Scared Straight'? I don't think that movie would work on this generation.
Thanks.
I think it is just because she looks best in long hair without those horrendous bangs. I think she was dead spiritually and emotionally from the first picture. The rest was just physical wasting. God bless here is she still lives.
I think it is just because she looks best in long hair without those horrendous bangs. I think she was dead spiritually and emotionally from the very first picture. The rest was just physical wasting. God bless her if she is still alive.
With all of the publicity concerning the devastating effect of even one Hit on this stuff it's amazing that people are so stupid as to try it out.
Try it once and you're basically hooked for life. It's almost impossible to get off of.
I did. What I didn't see was your remedy to the massive problem. Filling out a complaint form is easy. Do you have any solutions?
The first time I saw these pictures I was horrified. I couldn't sleep that night imagining the horror that woman lived through. The wife and I have a season pass to the Intervention show on A&E and watch the pain these kinds of people go through. Although, they all have great excuses of why they are addicts, given that it is their own fault.
Tweakers are such a pain in the ass...
Before you slip into unconsciousness
Id like to have another kiss
Another flashing chance at bliss
Another kiss, another kiss
The days are bright and filled with pain
Enclose me in your gentle rain
The time you ran was too insane
Well meet again, well meet again
Oh tell me where your freedom lies
The streets are fields that never die
Deliver me from reasons why
Youd rather cry, Id rather fly
The crystal ship is being filled
A thousand girls, a thousand thrills
A million ways to spend your time
When we get back, Ill drop a line
Old, is what it is.
Tweakers used to be called speed freaks a million years ago.
And they were just as boring then as they are now.
I'm jazzed. Take a breath. Relax. A Quaalude may help.
Your solution to the meth infestation is what, exactly? Longer prison terms?
My e-mail to drugfreeaz.com:
What is that from?
"The Trip", track 7 on Sunshine Superman (Epic), 1967.
"What I didn't see was your remedy to the massive problem...Do you have any solutions? - Libloather
What massive problem?
IF someone violates ANOTHER'S rights, lock the criminal away until - at the very least - he pays full restitution to the damaged party.
You may have missed this -
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.
What about the rights of the robbed? What about the rights of the assaulted? What about the rights of police? What about the rights of neighbors that may blow up?
IF someone violates ANOTHER'S rights, lock the criminal away...
Perps are perps. I have a funny feeling you're on the loosing end of a battle.
Don't be a perp...
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