METHAMPHETAMINE LABS BECOMING MORE POPULAR

Illinois cracked down on methamphetamine production and distribution last month
with legislation that provides harsher sentences to those who have been
convicted of second offenses.

Within the past few years, law enforcement agencies from across the state line
have been doing their part to pinpoint those producing methamphetamine and what
kinds of labs are used to produce the drug.

Typically, white males in their 30s or 40s are found to be the organizers of
meth labs, but about 25 percent of the men are in their 20s, according to an
anonymous source at the Illinois State Police Department's investigative
division.

Some women are also found working in meth labs, but they are usually younger,
with half in their 20s and the other half in their 30s.

One gram of meth has the same $100 street value as a gram of cocaine. But the
ingredients for methamphetamine, which are usually purchased or stolen from
retail stores, are much cheaper.

Retail stores sell all of the materials needed to produce meth. Sudafed,
batteries and glass bowls are some of the products needed to manufacture
methamphetamine. Wal-Mart and several other retail stores limit the amount of
meth-producing products, such as Sudafed, that can be purchased or keep them
behind the counter.

"The precursors are relatively inexpensive, and [methamphetamine] is an easily
man-made substance," said Capt. Todd Sigler of the SIUC Police Department.

Sigler said both methamphetamine use and production are increasing, although
there have not been many arrests made this year.

SIUC's Police Department has made one arrest for meth possession and two
arrests were made for manufacturing meth this year.

The two manufacturing arrests were made when the individuals were pulled over
for traffic violations.

Traffic violations are helping law enforcement agencies to stop a growing trend
called "rolling labs." The number of rolling labs is increasing because they
are quick and easy to set up and do not have the same odor as stationary labs.

Stationary labs are typically reported when neighbors smell ammonia or ether.
Police also find the labs after entering a home with a search warrant for other
violations.

"I don't know if they're in it for the money," the anonymous source said. "A
lot of times, when we find the labs, these people are living in poverty. It
just doesn't make sense."

Currently, only the Illinois State Police and drug task forces are trained to
dismantle meth labs.

The investigative agent said that although she remains hopeful about curtailing
meth production, she does not see an end to the problem in the near future.

"This is the biggest problem we are facing right now," the anonymous source
said. "It's hurting so many families. This is really a nasty, nasty drug."