ISLE NARCOTICS AGENTS PLAN TO CHILL PRODUCTION OF 'ICE'

Officials Expect That The Increase In The Public's Awareness Will Bring More
Busts

Local narcotics agents predict an increase in the number of drug lab busts
as the community becomes more aware of what to look for and because of
heightened security at the airport.

"They (the public) are the eyes and ears of the police department," said
Dean Yamamoto, clandestine laboratory coordinator of the Honolulu Police
Department.

Meetings are being held around the state to educate residents about
clandestine drug labs. The state Attorney General's Office has held meetings
on Kauai and in Kona. Yamamoto said he plans to coordinate more meetings so
the public can help law enforcement catch drug lab operators.

Officials from Circle Solutions Inc. recently made a public presentation at
Kapalama Elementary School on the hazards of clandestine drug laboratories,
the effects of crystal methamphetamine abuse and the signs residents can
look for if they suspect a drug lab is being operated in their neighborhood.

"It's gonna rise 'cause it's so easy to make," Yamamoto said.

Ingredients used to make crystal methamphetamine can be purchased at retail
stores, and information on how to manufacture the synthetic drug can be
found on the Internet, he added.

Michael McCampbell, project director for Circle Solutions federally funded
clandestine laboratory training project, said, "I'm afraid it will get worse
before it gets better."

Last year, there were five drug lab seizures in Hawaii, according to Keith
Kamita of the Narcotics Enforcement Division. That's down from previous
years when there have been as many as 20 seizures, he said.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Hawaii narcotics officials have investigated at
least four drug smuggling cases a month, primarily methamphetamine, Kamita
said.

Prior to Sept. 11, drug smuggling cases were half that, said Kamita,
attributing the rise to heightened airport security and increased narcotics
enforcement. He said the heightened security has made it more difficult for
couriers or smugglers to bring in drugs.

Currently, an ounce of crystal methamphetamine in Hawaii costs between
$2,000 and $4,000. The drug is also known as batu, shabu, speed, ice,
go-fast and tweak.

"That's still our No. 1 illicit drug," Kamita said.

Residents who attended the Kapalama meeting shared their fears about living
near drug labs in their neighborhoods.

For more than a year, a 40-year-old Kapahulu resident has carried a knife to
protect himself from his neighbors who allegedly run a drug lab above his
apartment.

"I get threatened with gun clicks when I walk out of my door," said the
resident, who did not want to give his name out of fear for his safety.

"They need to go down," he said.

Missouri Police Sgt. Jim Wingo, an expert in crystal meth labs, said
ingredients to make the drug can be found in Sudafed, batteries and engine
starting fluid.

Crystal meth is a stimulant that increases the heart rate, blood pressure
and body temperature. It also produces euphoria, increases aggression and
decreases a person's appetite.

"It makes you feel like Superman. It makes you feel better than you ever did
in your life," said Wingo, adding the high effect from the drug can last up
to 12 hours.

Furthermore, those who operate clandestine drug labs are not the most
conscientious and tend to mishandle chemicals that may lead to explosions,
he said.

Law enforcement officials look for abnormal purchases at retail stores of
products that can be used to make methamphetamine. Also, red sores, or
"crankbugs," and acid burns on a person's skin are signs of addiction to
methamphetamine.

"It's always been here. It's just a matter of recognizing (drug
laboratories)," Yamamoto said.