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DRUG LABS CONTINUE TO GROW

Pharmacies have new procedures regarding products used to make crystal meth due to the dramatically growing number of crystal meth labs.  The procedure involves taking a card to the parmacy and presenting it for an overcounter product such as Sudafed.  Production of the methamphetamine, known as "speed" and "crystal meth" is lucrative because the substance's high comes on fast but fades quickly leaving the user searching for more.  But sometimes it's just too much for one's central nervous system - still that's what makes it such a popular street drug.  The recent popularity would leave one to think the drug is new but actually the drug was popular decades ago, fading in popularity in the 1970s.  In 2005, however, we are experiencing more serious aspects of the drug.

Many meth labs are set up in abandoned, out of the way houses.

The term clandestine laboratory refers to a secret lab that consists of materials and chemicals used to put the dangerous product together.  The process takes such a short amount of time for production that mini-labs can be set up in the back of a pick up taking the time only to grab items from a cooler or other container to produce what is needed.

Meth labs can pose a danger to all involved because of the highly explosive chemicals involved.  If one can detect an odor, one is being exposed at that moment.

However, if one does not detect an odor, one can't be sure if exposure is occurring.  Not only can permanent damage occur to the central nervous system through smoke, inhalation, injection, or oral induction but also can cause death while mixing the chemicals together.  It is recommended if one finds a meth lab that the person gets out immediately without touching or handling anything, especially power switches.  Red Phosphorous Labs, known as "Red P" labs or "HI" labs are especially flammable due to the high content of phosphorous and iodine.

The atmosphere in these labs is highly toxic because they convert Red-P to White-P which is highly reactive to air exposure.  "Nazi" labs are identified by the use of anhydrous ammonia and lithium batteries and the use of water reactive lithium metals.

The labs can be so dangerous that up to 4% of all lab raids result in the hospital of at least one federal investigator.  In fact, prior to the DEA Clan Lab Safety Certification Program, some federal/state task force units had experienced up to 100% chemical injury rates for their personnel during lab raids, noted as the largest single source of on the job injuries by federal narcotics officers.

For many of the investigators, not only are fires set from booby traps and explosives a danger, but also 10% of lab suspects have fully automatic or silenced weapons.

While on crystal meth, the brain releases high levels of dopamine, which stimulates brain cells, enhancing mood and body movement.

However, after extended use, the brain releases less and less of the substance, resulting in Parkinson's disease, a severe movement disorder.

Dependence happens when one stops using meth; the brain becomes unable to function normally.

It can cause not only physiology problems but also psychological problems.  Even small amounts used have a big impact on one's central nervous system.

One of the biggest impacts includes insomnia and increased physical activity.

With those symptoms sometimes adds decreased appetite, increased respiration, hypothermia, euphoria, irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness.

Meth affects the body much like cocaine.

Physical problems one using meth might experience includes: high blood pressure and an accelerated heart rate, strokes caused by damage to blood vessels in the brain, respiratory problems, cardiovascular collapse and death due to irregular heart beats and extreme weight loss.

Recognizing someone on meth is fairly uncomplicated.  Their pupils are usually dilated, their alertness and energy level is increased significantly to often include tremors as well as accelerated breathing, irritability, nervousness, and paranoia.  "Tweakers" can go from 5 -- 15 days without sleep.

According to Lieutenant Richard Smith, commander of the Drug Environment Crime Task Force, between October 1, 2004 and June 30, 2005, their task force seized 34 Methamphetamine labs, three of which were in the Jacksonville area.  The most labs, at a count of 17, were seized in Anniston.  The following account was given to the following areas: Calhoun County 4, Cleburne County 2, Heflin 1, Ohatchee 1, Oxford 2, Piedmont 2, and Weaver 2.

Smith also concluded that in the past 18 months, of the 2112 cases made, 71 Meth labs were seized significantly contributing to the 1,708 drug arrests made.  More specifically, $976,750 in street value from 3,907 grams of Meth was intercepted.

The Calhoun Cleburne County Drug and Violent Crime Task Force works in conjunction with police departments as well as the Alabama Board of Narcotics Division, Talladega Drug Task Force.  Together, they have made a significant impact in a multi jurisdictional Methamphetamine/Ice distribution point, which has affected several local cities and surrounding counties.

The investigations sometimes must undergo several months' worth of investigation proceedings.

"The most popular labs are those created to support their own habits.

They typically only sell enough to keep themselves in supply.

A typical lab will produce from two -- 10 ounces of cooked meth," stated Smith as he continued to define the differences in charges.

A felony possession charge is one where it involves possession of below 28 grams of meth; anything over that amount is a greater federal charge of drug trafficking.

Last year, over 17 people died in Etowah County alone due to overdose or other drug related incidents.  Education is the key to the prevention of future meth users, eliminating new sales for drug distributors.  ABC Board employee Mike Reese and educator Carol Hudson travel all over conducting "Operation Save Teens" seminars on dangerous drugs and how to avoid getting stuck in an addiction that often leaves one too frightened to ask for help.