Pubdate: Fri, 21 Nov 2003
Source: Beaufort Gazette, The (SC)
Copyright: 2003 The Beaufort Gazette
Contact:  http://www.beaufortgazette.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1806
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH LAB INDICATES BIG-TIME DRUGS HERE

Synthetic Drugs Costly to Society

The story was small but the subject tells of a major problem that has hit 
the Lowcountry. Authorities uncovered a methamphetamine lab in rural Jasper 
County a little more than a week ago. More than two dozen law enforcement 
officers representing local and federal agencies descended on the 
sophisticated lab in Grays. That no arrests have been made means that this 
group may be able to build another lab, if not in this area, then in another.

Methamphetamine, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, is a 
synthetic central nervous system stimulant that is classified as a Schedule 
II controlled substance. It is dangerous, and it is distributed across the 
nation under the names of "Crystal" and "Speed."

The drug is dangerous because of the medical and mental damage it can cause 
in people, but it also is dangerous because it can earn people large sums 
of money. The cost varies across the country, but the Southeast is one of 
the pricier regions. The DEA estimates that it sells for $3,500 a pound in 
California and Texas, but jumps to $21,000 a pound wholesale in the 
Southeast and Northeast. Retail prices can earn a dealer nearly $100,000 a 
pound in some areas.

The Beaufort County Drug Task Force reported this summer 324 drug-related 
charges during the first six months of 2003. Those arrests were for pretty 
mild drugs in contrast to the methamphetamine and amphetamine-type 
stimulants that the U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime calls a world scourge. 
According to news reports, 161 of the local arrests were for simple 
possession of marijuana, a misdemeanor offense. The next largest offense 
involved about one half the arrests for marijuana, but it involved a much 
more dangerous drug: crack.

As has been said here before, the numbers might indicate a lot of 
recreational use, but they show a growing problem. It will only get worse 
as the county's population increases, and it is expected to double in the 
next quarter century.

Take a look at the statistics released by the county's Drug Task Force for 
the first six months of 2003:

. 76 charges on Hilton Head Island;

. 79 charges on St. Helena and Lady's islands;

. 57 charges in Beaufort;

. 50 charges in unincorporated Bluffton; and

. 7 charges in Bluffton.

The case in Jasper County indicates that the numbers above may be the last 
time the county -- the Lowcountry -- sees a widespread use of organic drugs 
for recreational use. An Associated Press story on Nov. 12 said that drug 
agents see no end to the more addictive drugs, especially 
methamphetamine's, eastward migration.

In addition to cost in medical and mental problems of taking the drug, the 
migration means taxpayers will pay hefty costs for cleaning up the homemade 
labs -- like the one in Jasper County -- where hazardous chemicals are 
mixed and cooked. The DEA spent $22 million last year cleaning up labs.

Who is using the drug? According to the AP story, most homemade 
methamphetamine is used by white people, but according to an assistant U.S. 
attorney, organized Mexican and Cuban drug gangs are importing large 
quantities to northwest Georgia.

These are just some of the costs, though. In terms of the toll on 
individuals and families, it will be incalculable.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Richard Lake