Meth: the latest epidemic
5-28-03
By Holly Heller
Bremen Enquirer
BREMEN � Methamphetamine use has reached epidemic proportions in Indiana, according to Indiana State Police Trooper Jason Faulstich.
During a presentation to the Bremen Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors on May 20 at the Mint Still Restaurant, Faulstich updated business leaders on the popular drug.
�It�s the new crave drug,� he said. �In 1991, only six labs were seized in Indiana. In 2002, almost 1,000 labs were seized. It�s basically touching every county of the state. It�s a major problem and epidemic.�
The drug, which has a powder or crystal chunk form, can be made with household products, just about anywhere.
�They can produce it in their own backyard and sell it and make a good profit,� he said. �A lab can be done in factories, in companies, in schools, in cars. I�ve seen them make it in a cooler that would fit in a school locker.�
Starting a meth lab is all too easy, according to Faulstich.
�They can take what�s under their kitchen sink and find all kinds of recipes on the Internet. About the only product they can�t get legitimately is anhydrous ammonia, or farm fertilizer. A lot of times, they will steal it from the co-op or from farm fields.�
When smoked, snorted or sometimes even injected, methamphetamines produce a high that lasts from 24 to 48 hours.
�They get double the bang for their buck,� Faulstich explained. �But it also has double-addictiveness. Drug users are becoming really addicted to it. You can try it once and become addicted.�
He described the typical meth user.
�All they want is their meth. They go on a binge for four days then crash for four days. They start losing interest in their job, in their children. We see a lot of child abuse and child neglect with meth users.
�It�s a central nervous system drug. Users become agitated. They�ll withdraw, be irritated. They�ll experience weight loss. They may have sunken eyes, be tired all the time. They are extremely paranoid.�
Indiana State Police rely on tips from the community to discover and stop meth labs.
�We�re asking people to keep their eyes open. If you see something that doesn�t seem right, give us a call. We can�t be everywhere. We rely on citizens for tips.�
Unusual items in or around trash cans is the most obvious sign of a meth lab.
�There�s no reason for someone to have 20 cans of starter fluid out by their garbage can,� he said. �If they do, there�s probably something going on.�
High traffic volume is another sign of a meth lab or dealer in your neighborhood.
�You may see 30-40 cars in an hour, and each one only stays about five minutes.�
Meth sells on the street for about $150 per gram.
�It�s big money,� Faulstich said.
To report suspicious activity, contact the Indiana State Police, Bremen Post at 800-552-2959.
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