COOPER DECLARES WAR ON 'CRANK'

What you do not know about methamphetamine labs can hurt, even kill, you.

That's why N.C. Attorney General Roy Cooper has a plan to stop the spread
of drug labs that manufacture dangerous methamphetamine in North Carolina.

The labs produce synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are sold in pill
form, capsules, powder and chunks, often called "crank" or "ice."

It's the emerging drug problem. State Bureau of Investigation agents
discovered nine labs in 1999. They shut down 177 labs in 2003.

Cooper is seeking tougher penalties for criminals who manufacture
methamphetamine, as well as laws that target the possession of ingredients
needed to make meth and that hold meth dealers responsible if their drugs
lead to death.

Methamphetamine is so profitable that Cooper and other authorities expect
the labs to continue to flourish. A 48-pack of Sudafed yields enough meth
to make about $72 on the street.

The attorney general wants more training and equipment for officers. He is
seeking cooperation from retail merchants. Over-the-counter cold
medications found in nasal decongestants often include ephedrine, an active
ingredient in methamphetamine.

For example, merchants can monitor or limit the amount of certain
over-the-counter medicines to consumers. Limit the amount placed on
shelves. Place those aisles under video surveillance.

Cooper wants brochures, videos and a Web site to educate the public about
the dangers. Landlords, hotel and motel workers and garbage collectors need
to know the tell-tale signs of a meth lab.

These labs come in all sizes and can use common household appliances. Meth
labs have been found nationwide in residential areas, vehicles, apartments,
hotels, kitchens, bathrooms, garages and outbuildings. Last year, children
were found in one-fourth of the labs that were raided in North Carolina.
Those children were exposed to toxic chemicals.

Many of the chemicals that may be used - lantern fuel, cleaners, acetone,
muriatic acid and diet pills - are common and can create noxious and
harmful fumes. The larger the lab, as might be found in a rural area, the
more danger.

The labs produce toxic gases that can remain in a carpet or wood later.
Often the lab operators are users of "crank" and under the influence when
they are operating the lab. They are not trained in chemistry and may be
not using the proper glassware that prevents explosions.

Some drug and grocery stores have programmed their registers to voluntarily
limit the sale of medications containing pseudoephedrine products, as per
federal Drug Enforcement Administration guidelines. That's a start.

"The first step toward fixing a problem is acknowledging you have one,"
Cooper said. "And here in North Carolina, we have a huge problem."