METH TIPS UP IN WESTERN KENTUCKY PADUCAH

Police in western Kentucky have seen an increase in citizens reporting
signs of methamphetamine production since they launched an educational
campaign in May.

Capt. Jon Hayden of the McCracken County Sheriff's Department said the
public service announcements that aired on television in eight
counties have taught people about recognizing materials used in
meth-making. That often includes crushed lithium batteries, drain
cleaner, starting fluid or ether, he said.

Plastic tubing is also a sign, Hayden said, since it is used with
anhydrous ammonia, the most well-known meth ingredient because of its
theft from farmers and agribusinesses.

The ads were funded by a federal grant and featured county sheriffs
describing the dangers of meth production and use.

Police do not try to track down meth labs just to limit the supply of
the stimulant, Paducah police Sgt. Eric Jackson said. The heating of
the drug's ingredients can lead to explosions, and several fires in
McCracken County have been linked to meth production.