Pubdate: Sun, 03 Apr 2005
Source: Register-Herald, The (Beckley, WV)
Copyright: 2005 The Register-Herald
Contact:  http://www.register-herald.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1441
Author: Mary Catherine Brooks
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

DEPUTIES JOIN FEDERAL DRUG TASK FORCE TO GO AFTER DEALERS

Money is the underlying factor in the increasing age of drug dealers
in Wyoming County. It is also the motivation behind the increasing
number of clandestine labs.

The oldest accused thus far is 81, according to Sheriff C. S.
Parker.

"They can make thousands of dollars a week," he explained.

Parker emphasized those caught selling drugs do not fall into one age
category, however.

"We have them from teens into their 70s and 80s," he said.

Older dealers, however, have access to more prescription drugs.

"They're selling lawful prescription drugs illegally," explained
Prosecutor Todd Houck. "They have the doctors, the insurance, the access."

"The bottom line is it's big money quick," Parker said. "If they get a
90-day supply, that's a lot of money."

Despite their ages, alleged drug dealers are now facing federal
charges as a result of the Sheriff's Department joining a federal drug
task force. As a result, dealers can be handed as many as 30 years for
selling illegal drugs, authorities said.

Also on the rise are clandestine meth labs, which are not only
producing illegal drugs but are a menace to neighborhoods through
explosions and the toxic chemicals that result.

Three labs have been eradicated in the last month in Wyoming County,
including locations in Cabin Creek, Lillydale, and Pineville.

Meth can be swallowed, inhaled, smoked or injected. It affects the
central nervous system the same way amphetamines and adrenaline do,
but with more prolonged effects. Street names include speed, crank,
ice, glass and crystal.

Methamphetamine (meth) is a man-made amphetamine that can be produced
in the form of pills, powder, or chunks from ordinary, easily-obtained
items such as over-the-counter cold medicines and workplace chemicals.

The West Virginia Legislature is working to limit the number of these
items that can be purchased by any one person.

"That will help. It may slow it down, but it won't stop it," Parker
said. "One person will go in and buy a package or two of Sudafed;
another will come in right behind him and buy more."

The combination of these easily-obtained items is highly explosive and
highly toxic, creating a minimum of five to seven pounds of toxic
waste for each pound of meth produced. Clean-up of a meth lab has to
be done by specialized companies with trained personnel.

Until recently, local authorities had to wait for personnel from a
company in Tennessee. Now there is a company in Charleston that can do
the clean-ups, Parker said.

"That helps because they can get to us much quicker," he emphasized.

The explosions usually result in that one house burning, but anything
close by is going to burn, Parker said.

"The people who are doing this don't have any care or consideration
for the people, or the kids, around them. It doesn't matter to them,"
Parker said.
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