ASHE SHOWS VARIOUS OF SIGNS OF METH CONNECTION

In March of 2008, Sheriff James Williams believes he started making
good on his promise to clean up drugs in Ashe County when his office
conducted an investigation that nabbed 15 suspects who were charged
with possession of various illicit drugs including marijuana, opium,
heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

At the conclusion of the day, investigators believed that the
operation was a success as it conveyed a clear message to drug users
and distributors that they better sleep with one eye open because the
sheriff's office would be looking for them.

The year of 2008 proved to be an especially busy year for deputies
and Sheriff Williams. Earlier in March, an investigation led by the
sheriff's offices in Ashe and Wilkes counties resulted in the
region's largest methamphetamine seizure and bust. An investigation
that began in May 2007 resulted in the arrest of nine individuals,
eight of whom were charged with a variety of drug related offenses,
including conspiracy with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of
methamphetamine. Altogether, the 23 pounds of methamphetamine and one
kilogram of cocaine seized was believed to be valued in an excess of
$1.4 million.

If convicted, each of the defendants charged could be facing a
minimum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum penalty
of life on the conspiracy charges alone, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F.
Shappert said in March.

Methamphetamine usage would also prove hazardous to the safety and
well-being of innocent Ashe County citizens in February.

Shortly before Valentine's Day, the Ashe County Sheriff's Office
received reports of a clandestine methamphetamine lab that had been
abandoned on the side of the road in the Todd community.

A family driving on Big Flatts Church Road noticed a large trash can
on the side of the road that was emitting smoke. An investigation
conducted by the Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Ashe
County Sheriff's Office revealed that the smoking trash can contained
items that were consistent with a condensed ammonia meth lab,
authorities said. Although no arrests were made from the disposed
mobile lab, growing concern in the community began to mount that
innocent citizens could be directly affected by the production of the
illicit drug. The sheriff's office also stressed the importance to
citizens of keeping a safe distance from suspicious items found on
the roadside and other areas.

The smoking meth lab found in the Todd area was not the first
incident of methamphetamine possibly impacting the greater community.

In September of 2007, a three month investigation led by the Ashe
County Sheriff's Office revealed yet another methamphetamine seizure.
This time, however, the drug appeared in a more disturbing form.
Nicknamed "Strawberry Quick" by some users, the pink crystal
methamphetamine substance resembling rock candy with an aroma of
strawberries was seized in the Lansing community. The Ashe County
Sheriff's Office and the D.E.A. immediately feared that the drug
would appeal to young teenagers due to its candy-like form. At the
time of the arrests, the investigation was still on-going as it had
extended in portions of Virginia.

Between Ashe and Grayson counties, multiple ounces of "Strawberry
Quick" had been seized in the case. The seizure of the pink crystal
methamphetamine substance was the first reported incident east of
Missouri. The drug first appeared in a gang member's home that was
raided by authorities in Carson City, Nev. It is feared by national
law enforcement officials that the drug may be mistaken as candy and
could be accidentally ingested.

As the methamphetamine epidemic continued to sweep over the county,
the sheriff's office stepped up its efforts to halt the growing and
disturbing trend. In the Post's recent evaluation of methamphetamine
usage in Ashe County, the rise of crystal meth production and usage
was outlined. Additional insight of how the drug affects the mind and
body of users was discussed as well.

In the Post's final installment in the examination on the threat that
crystal methamphetamine poses to Ashe County and its people, possible
routes to a recovery from methamphetamine related addictions will be
outlined by state officials as well as information on how to obtain such help.