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." - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin