OFFICERS RECEIVE A PRIMER ON METH LABORATORIES

WOOLWICH -- First responders, fire fighters, and law enforcement
officers from the surrounding areas attended a training session on
recognition and awareness of methamphetamines at the Woolwich
Central School recently.

Kevin Cashman, a member of the Portland Maine Drug Enforcement
agency, outlined the dangers of methamphetamine laboratories and
explained some of the equipment found in them.

"If you suspect you have entered a methamphetamine laboratory, get
out as soon as you can and call the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency,"
said Cashman. "We are trained and equipped to handle the toxic substance."

Before 1990, drug law enforcement agents gathered evidence of
methamphetamine laboratories with bare hands and no protective
clothing. Subsequently, many agents suffered from serious health
problems such as lung disease, kidney failure, cancer, and
Parkinson's disease.

Since 1990, drug law enforcement agents have been required to wear
protective gear.

Methamphetamine is an illegal drug made of combined raw materials in
home-made laboratories. The laboratories could be anywhere -- in a
city, in the suburbs, or in a country area. Methamphetamine labs
have been found across the country in vacant buildings, apartments,
houses, barns, storage units, mobile homes, cars, campers, trailers,
and hotels.

Common household items used to make methamphetamine include glass
canning jars, funnels, tubing and coffee filters. Recognizing
incongruous items gathered near a stove is an indication of a
methamphetamine laboratory.

"One tell-tale sign of a methamphetamine lab is lots of coffee
filters with red stains," said Cashman. "Other indicators are glass
jars containing unidentified chemical substances, and chemicals not
stored in original containers."

Since the federal regulation of the drug ephedrine, the number of
methamphetamine laboratories has decreased across the country, but
the danger still exists.

Some of the slang names for methamphetamine are ice, glass, christy
and zip. Methamphetamine can look like other illegal drugs. It can
be reddish brown, white, or gold colored.

"Don't assume the drug can be readily identified. Have it tested,"
said Cashman.

One pound of methamphetamine produces six pounds of toxic waste.
Cashman pointed out that where the toxic waste of amphetamine is
dumped is hazardous because of the toxic chemicals likely to be there.

Meth laboratories are highly explosive environments. The gases can
build up quickly and can kill. The surrounding area can also be
dangerous. Drug dealers want to keep people away from their
laboratory and will often set booby traps that could kill or cause
serious injury.

Physical effects of amphetamine users include: loss of weight,
profuse sweating, body odor, bad teeth, eroded gums, scars and open
sores, large pupils while under the influence of the drug, paranoia,
anxiety, increased aggressiveness, and insomnia.

Amphetamine users are more prone to diseases such hepatitis, AIDS,
cancer, herpes, and tuberculosis.

All it takes is one use of amphetamine to become addicted.

Recovery rates for amphetamine users are grim. Statistics indicate
that 93 percent of users relapse. Only 7 percent recover from the addiction.

A drug user on amphetamine may be armed, said Cashman. Anyone who
encounters a methamphetamine user should proceed with caution. Keep
a distance, keep hands visible, don't make any sudden movements, and
if possible keep the individual talking to prevent the situation
from escalating.

"Safety is key," said Roger Brawn, emergency medical services
director in Woolwich. "We go into homes every day, and a
methamphetamine laboratory could be anywhere."