METH LABS ARE DOWN; USE ISN'T

Methamphetamine labs have pretty much disappeared in the area since a
new state law limiting the sale of pseudoephedrine -- the main
ingredient of the illegal drug -- went into effect.

However, use of the illegal stimulant has not declined, said Fremont
Deputy Chief Steve Tellatin, coordinator of the III-CORPS Drug Task
Force. Instead of being produced locally, it is imported to the area.

In fact, through the end of September, III-CORPS agents have seized
or purchased about two pounds of the drug.

That's why III-CORPS and its participating agencies are taking part
in National Methamphetamine Awareness Day today along with law
enforcement agencies across the country.

"It's a nationwide effort to help the public become more aware of the
terrible effects that meth has on our society," Tellatin said.
"(Methamphetamine) is a significant challenge to law enforcement, to
the mental health community and to the social well-being of communities."

In addition to the more than 900 grams of the drug removed from the
streets, III-CORPS agents have arrested 42 people on distribution
charges and 42 people on possession charges through September. So far
this year, there have been 12 convictions for distribution and 22 for
possession, with a number of cases pending.

"Law enforcement continues to see large amounts of crime associated
with the use and abuse of meth," Tellatin said. "Meth has taken
strong root in rural communities and produces other crimes."

Methamphetamine Awareness Day is an effort coordinated by the U.S.
Department of Justice not only to reach potential users with a
message of prevention, but also to educate current users about
programs available to help them quit.

To help broadcast its message, the Department of Justice has posted
an educational presentation at www.usdoj.gov/methawareness. On that
site there is a question and answer section about the dangers of
methamphetamine and photos of the effect on meth users.

Another multi-agency metro coalition, Partners for Methamphetamine
Prevention, also has a Web site with more local information and a
phone number for help. That organization can be reached at
www.endmeth.info or 1-877-9NoMeth.

"I would encourage people who are interested to go to the Web site,"
Tellatin said. "I encourage parents to learn more and talk to their kids.

"I think the more educated people are, if they see the beginning of a
problem, they can take steps to stop it," he said. "These programs
are to educate and stop the abuse."