Pubdate: Thu, 03 Jan 2002
Source: Union, The (CA)
Copyright: 2002 Nevada County Publishing, Inc.
Contact:  http://www.theunion.com/index.html
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/957
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH IS A LARGE PART OF COUNTY'S SUBSTANCE ABUSE PROBLEM

The arrest of nine people suspected of running a methamphetamine lab near 
Lime Kiln Road is certain to be supported strongly by the community.

Whether those arrested are guilty - the courts have yet to decide, and it's 
important to remember that the suspects are innocent until proven otherwise 
- - western Nevada County wants a strong stand to be taken against 
methamphetamine.

When United Way of Nevada County asked the views of county residents about 
social issues, a full 92 percent - 92 percent! - said drug and alcohol 
abuse is a very significant or somewhat significant problem for the community.

Meth is a big part of that problem. The most recent statistics show that 
about a third of the people who enter drug and alcohol programs in Nevada 
County seek treatment for meth addiction. Often, the number seeking help 
for meth addiction is almost as great as the number seeking help in 
battling alcoholism.

Even the large number of western Nevada County residents who grew up in a 
time when casual drug use was widespread recognize that methamphetamine is 
something different. It's addictive, with a great power to wreck lives.

The community and law enforcement officials share the belief that the most 
effective attack on methamphetamines will target manufacturing and large 
distribution operations. Sheriff's officers say the lab they busted on 
Vintage Road just before Christmas was small , mostly producing the drug 
for personal use and a little for sale. Nevertheless, the bust is a step in 
the right direction.

Slowly but surely, the number of meth-related search warrants and arrests 
handled by the sheriff's department has risen. Sheriff Keith Royal says the 
strength of the attack on meth reflects an increased willingness in the 
community to provide officers with the information they need to target 
meth-manufacturing operations.

Clearly, information and personal involvement by those who want to banish 
methamphetamine from the community is just as important as continued 
dedication by law enforcement officers. Both are needed to accompany the 
clear statement by the community that it views this a problem that needs to 
be solved.

Let this be the year we draw this line in the sand.
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager