METH LABS RISKY BUSINESS

MANSFIELD -- Meth-amphetamine presents special risks for law enforcement.

"Meth labs are extremely dangerous and volatile given the chemicals
and methods used to manufacture the drugs," METRICH Commander Lt.
Dino Sgambellone said. "Meth abusers exhibit extreme chronic effects
and are prone to paranoia and violence among other physical characteristics."

Meth use can be highly addictive, even lethal. Its effects are
similar to those of amphetamine but are more damaging to the central
nervous system. Meth can be smoked, snorted or taken orally, but
it's most frequently injected. The user experiences an intense rush.

"Users try to maintain their high by bingeing, which can last from
three to 15 days," Sgambellone said. "They may forego sleep and lose
their capability to maintain their day-to-day responsibilities.

"Tweaking occurs at the end of this binge when nothing the user does
replaces a

The Telegraph-Forum recently conducted a question and answer session
with Sgt. Chris Heydinger, Crawford County access officer for
METRICH, on the subject of methamphetamine use here.

Question: Why the in-crease in meth making and usage here in recent years?

Answer: "Because of a lack of detection. Our biggest problem with
meth, starting around 2002, we found like 6 meth labs in the Tiro area.

We are having thefts of ammonia. Labs out in rural locations. In
town, if you're mixing this stuff, it creates quite an odor. Out in
the county, amid 100 acres of woods or in a shed, it's less likely
for someone to notice.

They avoid detection by other citizens or law enforcement. It's easy
to create a lab under an old railroad bridge."

Q: What have you found?

A: "We found the remains of one meth lab in Auburn Township. I think
that's the first one we've had since 2003. About five years ago, it
was a booming craze, methamphetamine.

We were just running ragged, taking reports and chasing these guys
at night. It was kind of a circle. Our suspects were from Willard,
Shelby, New Washington and Tiro areas. And residents in the Tiro
area were not happy about that.

The sheriff got a dozen thank-yous and phone calls when we found and
arrested people."

Q: Is meth down and heroin up?

A: "Yes. The recent raid was related to heroin. It's probably been
the worst drug in last few years. Level of heroin use and abuse
around here has skyrocketed. We've had a few overdose deaths in 2005
and 2006. A rash of thefts of copper wire occurred and we knew they
were selling it for cash to buy heroin.

"The raid on the house on New Haven Road was big. We had 11 people
detained that day."

Q: When is drug use worse?

A: "These guys go year round. The (Crawford County) Sheriff's office
hit those guys in Bucyrus with a large amount of marijuana, 100
pounds or so. That was a huge hit to these guys back in November.

"Then everybody gets real quiet. The question then is 'Who's next?'
or Who's talking?' They'll shut down for a day or two and slowly
they'll get back into it once their need for money or using the drug
itself returns."

Q: What should residents watch for if they suspect a meth lab is
operating in their neighborhood?

A: "Humans are creatures of habit. They all do same things. You live
in your neighborhood and know what's the norm for your neighborhood
or place in general.

The average person does not get 45 visitors a day for two minutes
each. That's just not normal. Funny odors or finding drug
paraphernalia on the streets or sidewalks are also signs.

If you notice things are unusual, give us a call and let us look into it."

Q: What is the price of meth compared to other illegal drugs?

A: "It's running about $120-130 a gram. Marijuana is $120 an ounce
so it's considerably more expensive than marijuana. Around here, $40
for a balloon, 1/10 of a gram. It could be one or more highs
depending on the user.

Q: How addictive is meth?

A: "From what I've learned at schools and talking to meth addicts,
it's an extremely powerful addiction. It wreaks havoc on the body,
especially the brain."

Q: What other drugs are being used in Crawford County?

A: "Cocaine, both powder and crack, and heroin are the worst here.
This year heroin has made a huge comeback. We're catching people and
recovering it. So many crimes -- thefts, burglaries -- are tied back
to supporting a drug habit. It creates a lot of victims."