STOPPING METH IS A COMMUNITY JOB

Methamphetamine is a powerful, addictive drug that is reaching
epidemic proportions across the country and has become a major
challenge for law enforcement in Tennessee.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence
Center, meth production, distribution and abuse are frequently
associated with violent crime in Tennessee. The state accounts for 75
percent of all methamphetamine produced, sold, used or transported in
the southeastern United States.

In addition, 10.2 percent of high school students surveyed in
Tennessee report having abused methamphetamine at least one time. The
national average is 9.1 percent.

The methamphetamine problem is more than a drug problem; meth poses
public safety, environmental and public health issues that make its
manufacture and use a more serious threat than other drugs that
entered society in the past. And solving the problem requires more
than a law enforcement effort; it requires commitment from the entire
community.

Methamphetamine is manufactured with common household products such as
drain cleaner, batteries, cold medicines, table salt, coffee filters
and propane tanks.

The manufacturing process presents dangers because it often occurs in
clandestine labs that produce toxic emissions and hazardous waste.
Some of these labs are small enough to fit into a shoe box and are
highly portable; for every pound of meth they produce, 5 to 7 pounds
of hazardous waste materials result.

In Tennessee, methamphetamine tears families apart, destroys marriages
and takes children away from their parents. On average, more than 700
children across Tennessee are placed in state custody each year as a
result of meth problems.

Meth labs are being found in our neighborhoods and near our schools.
In Tipton County, we have found meth labs in motel rooms, cars,
trucks, trailers and in wooded areas near rivers and streams.

In Tipton County, we launched our local meth watch program in
February, after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation instituted a
similar program statewide.

I felt it was important to get local people involved in helping our
county law enforcement. The local news media gave our program great
coverage. Civic groups became involved. We talked to church groups,
medical professionals, school teachers, students and business owners.

Tipton County citizens found that they could help just by calling us
if they saw anything unusual in their neighborhoods or at work. Rather
than calling an 800 number in another city to report suspicious
activity, people could call a local number and talk to a local person.

Approximately 25 meth labs have been seized, numerous arrests have
been made and children have been rescued from the dangers of the meth
labs in the eight months since we launched our local meth watch program.

I have found through this process that people will help if they are
only asked.

The meth problem is a national problem that will not be solved
overnight. A strong commitment toward tougher drug laws, education,
law enforcement and treatment will be necessary if this battle is to
be won. And community involvement is a key part of making that happen.

I am confident, however, that the battle will be won.

The people of Tipton County have shown their willingness to get
involved, and that will go a long way toward ridding our communities
of the scourge of meth and other illegal drugs.

By getting involved, lives can be saved. I urge people to get involved
and help save the life of a child. Who knows? You may save the life of
a child you love.

Guest columnist C. D. 'Buddy' Lewis is sheriff of Tipton County.