Pubdate: Fri, 02 Sep 2005
Source: Seward County Independent (NE)
Copyright: 2005 Seward County Independent
Contact:  http://www.sewardindependent.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3776
Author: Lauren Adams
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

INFORMED CITIZENS PART OF METH BATTLE

It's like a bad dream, but one that Seward County residents must be
aware of, County Sheriff Joe Yocum told Utica seniors said Aug. 24.
"We have no choice," Yocum said. "If we close our eyes to it, it will
overwhelm us."

Methamphetamine use around the country has increased by 300 percent in
recent years.

The meth epidemic has been especially potent in the Midwest and Seward
County is no exception.

Since June 2004, Seward County officials have seized 80 pounds of
crystal meth, mostly from vehicles traveling on Interstate 80. But
Yocum said the county has also busted three meth labs within the county.

"It is an epidemic. It's everywhere," Yocum said. Busts in Tamora,
Beaver Crossing and Pleasant Dale have revealed a world of addiction
and abuse.

Yocum recalled a woman at the Tamora meth house who had scabs all over
her face and neck.

The sores were self-inflicted because the woman thought she had bugs
crawling on her face.

The woman had a 7-year-old and a 7-month-old in the house where the
meth was being manufactured.

University of Nebraska Extension Educators Maggie Miller and Tammy
Stuhr presented a Power Point presentation on the drug at the Utica
Senior Center in an effort to educate citizens about meth. The
popularity of meth is based on its affordability, ease of production
and the intensity of its effect.

"The process is elementary chemistry," Miller said. A meth high can
last between four and 24 hours and one hit is enough to create a
strong addiction.

Meth can be swallowed in tablet form, smoked, snorted or injected.
Some ingredients include battery acid, drain cleaner, lye, anhydrous
ammonia and ephedrine.

The toxic chemicals used in the making of the drug are not only
dangerous to users, but also to community members.

One in six meth labs are discovered as a result of fires and meth lab
cleanup, on average, costs more than $4,000.

The presence of meth is also detrimental to the environment. Making
one pound of the drug creates five to six pounds of toxic waste that
is often left in ditches along county roads.

Miller said the meth epidemic is affecting the entire community. She
said the extension office has had to deal with the effects of meth
with 4-H roadside clean up.

"We're actually having to train kids what not to touch," she said.
"This is a problem that all of us will pay for."

That's why informational programs on meth are important. Scott Willet
of Nebraska Great Plains Resource Conservation and Development
Council, which sponsored the program, said education has to be part of
the battle against meth.

"This is your town," Willet told Utica seniors. "If something strange
is happening, you're going to know."

Signs that a meth lab may exist include trash filled with Sudafed
blister packs and cook ware, a distinct odor of cat urine, ammonia,
acetone or paint thinner, little or no traffic during the day, covered
windows or people smoking outside.

Concerned citizens may call 1-800-742-9333 with any information on
possible meth labs.

Yocum said the county sherrif's office is part of a unified effort
with the Nebraska State Patrol, city police and other states in
cracking down on meth use.

"Wherever we find it, we go after it," he said. Seward County has two
canine units that help with drug busts and four officers trained to
clean up meth labs.

Yocum said talking with meth abusers in the county jail has also
provided insight for officers.

"We get an unusual opportunity to talk to these people," Yocum said.
"What we're hearing from them is just nightmarish. They're always
chasing that high and they never can catch it, but they'll do anything
to get it."
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin