BIGGEST METH STATES TARGET ILLEGAL MAKERS

A few short years ago, the Southeast Missourian reported extensively on the
explosive growth of methamphetamine in Missouri, particularly in this part
of the state.

At the time, we reported that Missouri had become the meth capital of the
nation, thanks to its vast rural areas where illegal meth labs can operate
without detection, thanks to the abundance of anhydrous ammonia used as a
crop fertilizer -- a staple of meth production, and thanks to good highway
access that brings meth producers to our state.

In an editorial that followed the series of stories, we expressed concern
about the lack of centralized reporting about illegal meth labs and
crackdowns on producers of the highly addictive and extremely dangerous
drug. In fact, it was obvious that many busts weren't being reported to
Missouri officials.

Since then, meth has spread across the country. California even then was a
major source of the illegal drug. In recent years, California has become
the biggest producer of meth.

But Missouri State Highway Patrol statistics now show that Missouri had
more busts of meth labs last year -- 1,599 -- than California.

Missouri officials have been diligent about going after every meth
operation they can find. Most of them are small labs that produce only a
gram or two of meth intended for personal use.

Even these small labs, however, are a serious danger to other Missourians.
The mess of a meth lab is extremely hazardous long after its users have
left the scene.

Also, California tends to focus on large meth operations, the kind that
produce pounds of meth at a time to be sold to addicts in large cities.
That state has cracked down on 1,472 of those large labs. Officials can't
even estimate how many mom-and-pop labs operate without interference from
law enforcement simply because there aren't enough officers to cover all of
them.

Another significant finding in last year's meth statistics in Missouri is
the fact that two counties in Southwestern Missouri -- Jasper and Christian
- -- had more meth busts than any of Missouri's 114 counties. When the
Southeast Missourian was reporting on the meth crisis a few years ago, that
distinction belonged to our own part of the state.

Last year's statistics about meth-lab busts offer good news and bad news.
The good news is that Missouri officials are still waging a fierce fight to
apprehend meth makers and shut them down. The bad news is that the number
of busts continues to grow, mirroring the increase in meth production and
use not just in Missouri, but throughout the United States.

The meth war is far from over. Clearly, the crackdowns in Missouri and
California have caught countless meth makers and users. In spite of the
overwhelming odds, that effort must continue full force.

In the meantime, Missourians can help by reporting suspected meth making
and use. The only way to stop it is if the proper officials have good
information.