COMPLACENCY NOT THE WAY TO FIGHT METH LABS

Just a few years ago when police made the first local bust of a
methamphetamine lab, the event was the biggest news of the day.

Now, the dangerous labs where the toxic hodgepodge of chemicals are
mixed to make the drugs are routinely uncovered in Adams and Brown
counties. But that should by no means be interpreted to mean their use
and distribution is confined to those areas. Local police are
predicting meth, also known as the "poor man's cocaine," will spread
into surrounding areas. In fact, to believe otherwise would be a grave
mistake, they said.

"You would be a fool to think the drug isn't crossing the river,"
Maysville Police Chief Van Ingram said. And it would be almost equally
foolish to do nothing to prevent meth from spreading rapidly in areas
where it has yet to rear its ugly head or leave those in the best
position to spot the beginnings of a make shift lab without the
knowledge to do so.

To that end, the Buffalo Trace Agency for Substance Abuse Policy will
conduct a workshop Aug. 12 designed to give the public the tools it
needs to spot and report the type of activity which could be connected
to the manufacture of meth. But so far, interest in the one-day
workshop has been minimal and only a handful of people have signed up,
according to organizers. That's a shame since the information from the
Meth Lookout Program could be invaluable in stemming the tide of meth
labs, and the problems and dangers which accompany them, from rolling
into town.

While portions of the summit are geared toward those in different
segments of society, from retailers to emergency personnel, we would
suggest anyone who is interested in making sure it is difficult if not
impossible to start up a meth lab in their community sign up for the
workshop. The sessions will be conducted at Maysville Community
College and there is no cost to participate. Anyone can sign up by
simply calling 606-759-7799.

If you care and if you want to help, please make the call.