SHERIFF WALLACE UPDATES DUPLIN BOC ON METH LAB ARRESTS

In recent months, the Duplin County Sheriff's Department has made
several arrests related to methamphetamine labs. Sheriff Blake Wallace
advised commissioners Monday that the problem with the drug is very
serious, but he and his staff are working hard to eliminate the problem.

"The trend is being seen throughout the state," Wallace said. "It is
here and here with a vengeance."

Wallace said methamphetamines can be made with legal products that you
can purchase at any local hardware store - and that is the major
problem. After these products are purchased so easily, Wallace said
the manufacturers can go on the Internet and get information on how to
make the drug.

"Because these items can be purchased so easily, the drug is easy to
make and it causes a real problem," Wallace told commissioners.

According to Wallace, what makes methamphetamines even worse, they are
a cheap sale and the drug gives a the user a longer high than other
drugs. Last year two labs were busted, one in Faison and the other in
Beulaville.

"This year we want to get double that, if not more," Wallace said.

When the products that make methamphetamines are put together, Wallace
said the materials become very hazardous. Not just any officer can
enter the lab facility because harm can be caused to those who enter.

Two of the department's deputies, according to Wallace, are trained
for methamphetamine lab busts. Once those officers go into the
facility and determine it is being used for a methamphetamine lab,
Wallace said a team from Tennessee is called in to clean up the lab
area.

According to Wallace, methamphetamines cause the user to stay awake
for longer periods of time, lose weight and cause paranoia. All of
these, plus the fact it is a cheap drug to make and purchase, Wallace
said, makes it a good drug for drug users.

Wallace said the age in methamphetamine users and producers ranges
from 16-years-old to some as old as their late 50s.

"It seems to me there are a lot more break-ins than we have had in the
past," commissioner chairman L.S. Guy Jr. said. "Are these related to
the drug users?"

Wallace said he felt the increase in break-ins was coming from the
drug users needing more money to purchase the drugs.

"Seems to me that these people (drug users) are bold," Guy said.

Guy commended Wallace for his efforts and his staff's efforts in
getting these drug labs busted and making arrests.