CITY COPS WORK TO BUST METH LABS

The abuse of the drug methamphetamine is on the rise in the United States.
Methamphetamine, or sometimes called "speed," "meth," "chalk," "ice,"
"crystal," "crank," or "glass," is a powerful addictive stimulant that
affects the central nervous system. It is a white, odorless, biter-tasting
powder that dissolves in water or alcohol. Unlike cocaine and marijuana,
meth is a man-made drug, but as Mr. Mackey on South Park says, "All Drugs
are bad, um kay."

The popularity of meth comes from the fact that it is easily made at a very
low cost. Certain household chemicals such as, brake cleaner, starter
fluid, and paint thinner are just a few of the main ingredients. "The
process creates airborne red phosphorous and iodine, which is a killer,"
says DEA Special Agent, Jim Molesa.

The drug comes in several forms and can be smoked, injected, or orally
ingested. After taking meth, the user experiences an intense, pleasurable
rush that lasts only a few minutes.

Meth has many short and long term effects on a person. After a few times
using the drug the body can experience loss of appetite, increased
respiration, and hypothermia. The long term effects of meth are paranoia,
mood disturbances, weight loss, strokes, or even death.

Aside from the short and long term effects, methamphetamines can cause
horrible and expensive medical problems. Chronic abuse can lead to the
inflammation of the heart lining.

Among all drug abuse deaths in the United States in the years between
1999-2002, meth ranked sixth. Caucasians led the death rate with a 37 to
one mark over all other races.

While there are no physical manifestations of withdrawal when a person
stops using meth, the physiological effects range from depression to
paranoia. The come down from a meth high is very mentally challenging to
many addicts.

Nationwide the use of meth has gone from 15,000 in 1998 to well over 60,000
abusers. In 2001, 9.6 million Americans admitted to trying the drug at
least once. (The average age of most meth users is between 18-25.)

Methamphetamine abuse is the highest on the West Coast, but is on the rise
in the Southeast and is becoming more popular in rural areas.

"We have a termendous amount of resources fighting the methamphetamine
traffic in our community," said Bradley County Sheriff Dan Gilley. "I know
our people have a resolve to continue aggressive investigative techniques
as we struggle to keep a lid on this problem."

Taking meth is a lot like drinking Drano. And even children know better
than to do that.