Pubdate: Mon, 26 Nov 2001 Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press (MN) Copyright: 2001 St. Paul Pioneer Press Contact: http://www.pioneerplanet.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/379 Author: Associated Press Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) 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. - --- MAP posted-by: GD