MSHP TROOPER TALK: METHAMPHETAMINE

Methamphetamine

Missourians can be proud of the many accomplishments its citizens have made
throughout the history of our state.

We can boast to being the home to one of our countries most famous
presidents. We can also brag on the inventors, military leaders, and noted
businessmen who were natives of our great state.

Unfortunately, there is one noted accomplishment of which we cannot be proud.

During the last several years, Missouri has had the dubious distinction of
leading the nation in the number of methamphetamine laboratory incidents.

Recent census figures show that Missouri is the 17th most populated state
in our nation.

However, in 2002, Missouri had 2,743 meth incidents. We outpaced the number
two state, densely populated California, by some 650 occurrences. Although
the 2003 numbers are still being tallied for some states, we know that
Missouri recorded 2,860 incidents, which equates to a four percent increase
from the previous year. Once again, it appears we will lead our country in
methamphetamine production and use.

As a concerned citizen there are several steps you can take to help combat
this plague.

For one, you should become familiar with the various chemicals and products
used to produce methamphetamine. For example, if you were to observe items
such as lithium batteries, funnels, rubber tubing, coffee filters, and a
large number of empty ephedrine boxes in or around a residence, your
suspicions should be aroused.

Other noted methamphetamine precursors include red phosphorus, iodine
crystals, sulfuric acid, and muriatic acid. By themselves none of these
chemicals are particularly noteworthy. However, the combination of these at
one location will likely signal illegal activity.

The presence of specific odors, such as a strong smell of ammonia or ether,
will also be noted at meth labs. Another indicator of illegal activity is a
large volume of traffic to and from a home.

The user of methamphetamine will often display behavioral patterns and
physical characteristics that will immediately stand out. For example, the
meth user may have a period of abundant energy that is then followed by
periods of depression, anxiety, paranoia, and exhaustion. Typically, the
drug will cause the user to have rapid weight loss and pale skin. Overall,
poor personal hygiene will likely exist and needle marks may be visible.
Long-term effects of the drug may also include a disorganized lifestyle,
poor coping abilities, and lowered resistance to illness.

You can help Missouri become a leader in all the right ways by helping law
enforcement combat this growing problem.

If you are aware of a possible methamphetamine laboratory or have
information involving the use of meth, yet are afraid of possible
repercussions if you report the activity, please make use of the Missouri
State Highway Patrol's "Meth Hotline", 1-888-823-METH (6384). This
toll-free line is in service seven days a week, 24 hours a day and does not
require the caller to be identified. By working together, we can make
Missouri an even better place to live.