WESTERN WISCONSIN USE, MANUFACTURE OF METH IS RISING

The region is in the middle of one of the Midwest's meth pipelines along
the Interstate 94 corridor, Wilson said. He said the counties closest to
Minneapolis and St. Paul have the highest number of cases in the area.

Between 1999 and 2000, investigators submitted 40 meth cases from St. Croix
County to the State Crime Lab for testing.

The number of meth cases in St. Croix County began to skyrocket in 1999,
said St. Croix County Sheriff Dennis Hillstead.

"I have two people here who are doing nothing but drug investigations, so
it takes up a considerable amount of our time and resources to deal with
it," he said.

Methamphetamine, also known as "speed" or "meth," is a potent stimulant
with effects similar to cocaine -- including euphoria, increased alertness
and a sense of increased energy. Unlike cocaine, which creates a high for
about 20 minutes, effects from meth can stretch between eight and 12 hours,
said Tim Schultz, an agent with the state Division of Narcotics Enforcement.

"You get more bang for your buck," said Schultz.

Continued use of the drug can lead to increased nervousness and difficulty
sleeping, which in turn cause irritability, paranoia and a tendency toward
violence. As use cycles into abuse, meth can lead to a risk of stroke,
heart failure and prolonged psychosis.

Wilson has spent the last three years tracking drugs and arresting meth
producers in the region. He said the drug's use has not leveled off and the
problem will get worse.

What he finds most disturbing is the increase in Chippewa Valley residents
who know how to make meth and their ability to get its ingredients, some of
which are commonly available in over-the-counter medications.