COMMISSIONERS BRIEFED ON METH ISSUES IN COUNTY

CLINTON - State Bureau of Investigation SBI Special Agent Duane Deaver told
a meeting of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners earlier this week
that county agencies and organizations are doing a good job dealing with
methamphetamine labs but there remains a problem. "But because of your
planning, this county is going to be in good shape in dealing with this
problem," Deaver said.

J.W. Simmons, with the Continuing Education Division of Sampson Community
College, asked commissioners for Deaver to appear to brief commissioners on
the problem. He noted in his letter that a second meeting of the Strategic
Task Force is scheduled for May 20 at the college to help develop
strategies and identify resources to heighten public awareness and develop
training initiatives for dealing with the labs. Deaver noted that law
enforcement, the Health Department, Department of Social Services and
others have been working to find and deal with the presence of
methamphetamine labs.

Citing a report published as a result of a state methamphetamine summit
convened by Attorney General Roy Cooper, Deaver said methamphetamine labs
are a growing problem in North Carolina, especially in western counties.
The report warns: "The meth problem will overwhelm our ability to respond
if steps are not taken. This fast-growing illegal drug problem has already
stressed our resources, but it has the potential to overwhelm North
Carolina's judiciary, law enforcement, social services and public health
facilities."

"It's not hit in this county like it has in the western part of the state,"
said Deaver. He said the SBI reported only nine methamphetamine busts in
1999, but that number grew to 177 last year. So far this year, said Deaver
there have been about 130 cases, on track for there to be a record number
of lab busts this year.

Methamphetamine is attractive to users because it's cheaper than cocaine
and gives a "bigger, quicker high than cocaine," Deaver said. "Our agency
is available here to help," said Deaver, and added that one way is to
educate county agencies and organizations and the public. In general, what
has been found in Sampson County are small labs, Deaver said. The report
notes that each lab also produces a toxic waste site, and the labs
frequently explode or cause fires. One explosion occurred in Johnston
County, Deaver said. He said methamphetamine labs are dangerous to law
enforcement personnel and firefighters.

According to the summit report, methamphetamine differs from drugs like
marijuana, heroin and cocaine because the very production of the drug
causes severe environmental damage.

He said the SBI found that, during 2003, of the 177 labs seized, 69
children were residing in homes with meth labs and 37 children were present
when the meth labs was discovered. In California, he said, several children
have been found to have methamphetamine in their blood. This is common, he
said, because many who make methamphetamine use kitchen facilities.

Deaver said that, contrary to what many might think, manufacturing
methamphetamine is a complicated process. Many makers, he said, get
instructions from the Internet.

According to the summit report, it was found that state laws regarding meth
labs are insufficient. It says law enforcement and prosecutors have had a
hard time getting active prison time for meth manufacturers. "Under current
state law, meth manufacturers who have no past criminal record generally
receive a suspended sentence with probation. L. E. Brown, Jr. can be
reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 20. or email sicity@intrstar.net