METH LABS POSE RURAL HAZARD

Times change. Crimes committed in order to provide a means to continue drug
use have been commonplace in larger cities -- but not in West Texas, until
the past few years. Unfortunately, those types of crimes -- primarily
burglaries and forgeries -- are on the rise, especially in small rural
communities.

We are seeing several cases where people are moving to the country --
probably for privacy -- and setting up methamphetamine labs. This keeps the
number of citizens addicted to drugs with a readily available source.

It also provides an avenue for luring more folks into the drug world. In
fact, arrests of a mother and son in New Deal last week were based on the
alleged operation of a meth lab.

Closest Neighbors Far-Removed

Lubbock's police force, along with neighborhood watch programs, has each
resident keeping an eye open for illegal type activities.

Unfortunately, the case is not the same down a country road. Drug activity
can be fairly obvious and yet, without reports from those living in the
vicinity, nothing can happen.

Many times any possible neighbors are so far removed there is no contact at
all, except from the folks purchasing illegal drugs.

As a result, in order to maintain their drug habit, crimes are occurring in
communities where locking the front door is a relatively new development.

Crooks Moving To Country

"What we're seeing more of a trend toward is that the crooks from the big
cities are moving out to the small communities," said Floydada Police Chief
Darrell Gooch.

He should know. During his 20 years with the Floydada Police Department he
remembers the discovery of one meth lab in the first 18 years. During just
the last two years a dozen have been raided. How unfortunate.

In 2004 violent crime dropped across the South Plains -- which is a very
positive trend that we hope continues. But we cannot have 2005 show similar
rising statistics with drug-related crimes.

There has to be a way to monitor our rural areas and stop what is basically
free reign with the operation of meth labs. That is the only way to impact
the rise in non-violent crimes.

We need to unite in this fight. It is also the only way to help ensure our
young people will have a strong opportunity to remain drug-free.