SHERIFF DETAILS DANGERS OF METH

SAYRE -- Methamphetamine is not "a poor person's drug" or a "rich person's
drug" said Bradford County Sheriff Steve Evans at a informational meeting
at the Sayre Elks Club Wednesday.

More than 100 people attended the presentation about the dangers and
trafficking of methamphetamine and its increased prevalence in the county.

The presentation was sponsored by the Elks Drug Club Awareness Division and
was one of the first held in the Valley area.

It was held to educate residents of the community about how to recognize a
user of the drug, as well as a methamphetamine "lab."

Evans said he has spoke to law enforcement officials who told him they have
arrested doctors, lawyers, contractors, truck drivers, people from every
walk of life, for using or selling methemphetamine, or "meth" as it is
commonly referred to.

"This drug spreads far beyond the normal population you usually think of
being a drug user," Evans said. "This is not merely a drug of the poor."

Some individuals do begin making methamphetamine believing they will make a
good deal of money selling it, but usually they become addicted and end up
using it more than selling, Evans said.

Methamphetamine is a growing problem in Bradford County because the
manufacturing and use of it ruins lives -- not only the lives of the
addicts and sellers, but the lives of community members where the
trafficking is occurring, Evans said.

Trafficking of the drug almost always leads to an increase of violence in
the community, Evans said.

Last year there were 58 meth labs seized in the state of Pennsylvania and
of those 58, 16 were in Bradford County, according to the sheriff. The
second highest amount of labs seized was in Crawford County where there
were eight labs seized.

At first glance for a drug user, meth is an attractive drug which can
increase energy and create a sense of euphoria, as well as decrease the
need for sleep.

The feeling of euphoria can last from 5-30 minutes, while drugs like
cocaine creates a 3-5 minute "high."

However, the long term and even short term side effects far out weigh the
initial so-called "benefits."

Long term effects include fatal kidney disorders, possible brain damage,
liver damage and even stroke.

A longtime user of meth can also develop permanent psychological problems.

"Meth is the most dangerous drug," Evans said.

It is the most dangerous drug because of the violent behavior it creates,
its highly addictive elements, and its extremely dangerous manufacturing
process.

A person who uses meth will exhibit several types of behavior including
nervousness, anxiousness, incessant talking, paranoia, irritability,
dilated pupils, redness in the iris, pulling out air, picking or scratching
skin, insomnia, a false sense of power, and severe depression, Evans said.

If a person suspects someone they have seen or now is using the drug or
manufacturing it, then they should contact their local police department or
the sheriff's office, Evans said.