Pubdate: Wed, 03 Jul 2002 Source: Detroit News (MI) Copyright: 2002, The Detroit News Contact: http://detnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/126 Author: Edward L. Cardenas LESS FORCE FAVORED TO HANDLE DRUG USERS NEW BALTIMORE -- Sgt. Tom Cuthbertson believes that when dealing with drug users, guns that shoot rubber bullets and small bean bags are options that police agencies should consider. Cuthbertson said drug users, especially those high on crack cocaine and methamphetamines, can be unpredictable. But less-lethal weapons that subdue and not kill "would save (the suspect) from potential injury," he said. Cuthbertson was one of a number of police officials attending a demonstration last week of less-lethal weapons at the Macomb Criminal Justice Training Center in Fraser. Methamphetamines are highly addictive drugs that are easy to make using common equipment and ingredients. It is typically produced in makeshift labs -- often in homes -- using frying pans, hot plates and blenders. Ingredients for "cooking" the drug include ammonia, cold tablets, fertilizer and lye. In the past two years, U.S. Customs agents in Detroit have confiscated trucks containing more than 64.3 million tablets of pseudoephedrine, a prescription antihistamine used to make methamphetamines. Methamphetamines can be injected, snorted, smoked or taken orally. It can produce addiction, psychotic behavior, hallucinations, violent behavior, anxiety and confusion. Crack cocaine and methamphetamines both stimulate the body's central nervous system, said Dr. James Larkin, director of emergency services at Mt. Clemens General Hospital. "You are basically hyped up ... think of drinking a pot of strong coffee," Larkin said. - --- MAP posted-by: Ariel