ETOWAH COUNTY BUCKING TREND WITH METH LABS

In some Northeast Alabama counties, drug agents are finding at least one
crystal methamphetamine lab a day. That is not the case in Etowah County,
Sheriff's Department Chief Deputy Todd Entrekin said. "The biggest problem
we've got is Mexican dope coming in," Entrekin told members of the Gadsden
Civitan Club on Wednesday. Drug agents in neighboring counties of Marshall,
DeKalb, Cherokee and Calhoun are seeing many more crystal meth labs,
finding an average of one a day, he said. "Hispanics are bringing it into
Etowah County," Entrekin said. "For some reason, we're becoming a hub for
them. We're not finding as many labs." Arrests have been made for large
amounts of crystal meth - as much as five pounds at a time, he said. About
two ounces is the average amount made in a crystal meth lab found in homes,
motels or trunks of cars, he said. A display of common items purchased at
discount stores shows just how easy it is to buy ingredients to make the
drug. "I went on a shopping spree last night at Wal-Mart," Entrekin said.
"I had to make one stop at Lowe's." Sinus medication, starter fluid,
matches, Drano, coffee filters, salt, peroxide, Red Devil lye, fruit jars,
a gas can with siphoning hose and a funnel were among his purchases.

He also had a blender, hot plate and coffee pot. Not counting the small
appliances, Entrekin said he spent $85. "What you see in front of you is
all it takes to make crystal methamphetamine," he said. Someone who makes a
batch of meth with the ingredients could make about $2,000 worth of meth,
Entrekin said. "How can we fight that when I can go to Wal-Mart and by this
stuff?" he said. In 1993, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency seized 218 labs
around the country, Entrekin said. By 1997 that number had increased to
1,600 labs, he said. "Today they can't even put a figure on it," he said.
About 85 percent of people who try crystal meth become addicted the first
time they use it, Entrekin said. It is used by injecting, smoking or eating it.

"We're talking Drano, iodine, ether ...," he said. "These are the things
they're putting in their bodies. "It's unreal the number of people who are
using this drug in this county," he said. The drug first was introduced
during World War II to soldiers to keep them awake for days, Entrekin said.
The drug surfaced a few years later on the West Coast and has gradually
made its way to Alabama, he said. Entrekin said the group might question
how making of the drug affects them. "If they're not making it, they have
to have a way to purchase it," he said. "Probably every one of us has been
affected.

You've either had a break-in at your house, had your car broken into or
your lawnmower or Weedeater taken out of your yard or know somebody who has."