GET SEROUS ABOUT METH PROBLEM

In the last few days there have been two reports in The News and Sentinel
about charges being filed in relation to illegal meth labs. At first glance
it might appear that our local law enforcement is on top of the illegal
drug situation and we should feel reassured.

Wrong. In both cases, according to the articles, the meth labs were
discovered because of highly stupid mistakes by the meth makers themselves,
which caused fires. The waste haulers in one case and the firefighters in
the other essentially presented the evidence to local law enforcement on a
platter. It remains to be seen whether any actual punishment will occur.
The reality is that there have been five local fatalities in a fairly short
period, as a result of drug overdoses. There have been two near fatalities.
Incidents of unreported near-misses and unknown brain damage are
undoubtedly far more numerous. There has been essentially no public
awareness, only an occasional obituary about a 22-year-old who died. Or a
25-year-old. Or a 20-year-old. Nor has there been any major impact on the
daily routines of the people who are supplying the drugs, obviously. It's
long overdue.

George Roe,

Vienna