Q. Why is meth use so prevalent in the Midwest?
A: The region's methamphetamine epidemic stems from two problems:
steadily increasing importation of methamphetamine into the region by organized trafficking groups; and
clandestine manufacturing of methamphetamine by hundreds of users/dealers in small "mom and pop" labs.
Seizures of clandestine labs in the Midwest have increased from 44 in 1995 to more than 500 in 1997. In fact, the state of Missouri led the nation in 1997 in the number of meth labs seized.
Twenty Mexican methamphetamine trafficking organizations have been identified by DEA as being involved in the Midwest, which is connected via major interstate highways, rail and air to the West and Southwest border areas that serve as importation, manufacturing and staffing areas for the Mexican operations.
http://www.kci.org/meth_info/faq_meth.htmThe reason meth use is so common
everywhere is that you can take $200 worth of ingredients and convert it to $1500 worth of finished product in less time than it takes to do a load of laundry.
Looks like it's here to stay.