CRYSTAL METH USE GROWING

Purer, Deadlier Form Arriving From Mexico

PADUCAH - A different form of mass-produced meth-amphetamine is moving into
western Kentucky, law enforcement officials said, and replacing its
predecessor.

Crystal meth, a purer and deadlier version of the narcotic, is the new drug
of choice and has been gaining popularity for about six months, said
McCracken County Sheriff's Capt. Jon Hayden.

The drug is mass-produced in Mexican "superlabs" and is more potent and
faster-acting than its predecessor, which is often made in labs hidden in
houses, Hayden said.

"The vast majority of meth isn't even being made around here anymore,"
Hayden said. "We're making a lot of meth busts, but it's more trafficking
and possession."

Hayden and Drug Enforcement Agency agent Tony King said crystal meth and
its sister meth drug, known as ice, are two of the major problems the DEA
faces.

Crystal meth usually comes in powdered form. Ice is generally crystallized
and has a glassy or icy look to it. It's about 80 percent pure meth, King
said, and a lot of regular meth users aren't prepared for it.

"Meth users are used to 15 to 20 percent pure meth," he said, "but if
somebody is importing 80 percent purity, and people are consuming the same
amount ... I think we're going to see more overdoses, some injuries and
deaths."

Hayden said the only upside to the influx of crystal meth is that there are
fewer meth labs in production in western Kentucky.

Hayden said the reason local meth producers don't make the crystal meth
themselves is that most can't.

"It requires a lot more chemicals ... and it's more complicated to make,"
Hayden said. "People around here don't have the knowledge to make it."

Crystal meth use and supply is increasing locally in part because various
producers in Mexico and out West "are in competition with each other,"
Hayden said. "They front this dope to people. Basically give it to them
free to get them hooked."

King said the switch to crystal meth is showing no signs of slowing down.