Pubdate: Tue, 17 May 2005
Source: Daily Times (MN)
Copyright: 2005 Crookston Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.crookstontimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2587
Note:  is also listed as a contact
Author: Natalie J. Ostgaard, City Editor
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

CITIZENS LEARN 'METH 101'

When you tune in to a news program or peruse the newspaper these days, 
you're likely to see at least one story related to methamphetamine, better 
known as meth. Although the extremely addictive, dangerous drug has been 
around for many years, it's only been making its way across the nooks and 
crannies of the rural Midwest in the past few.

Polk County has seen a significant rise in meth use and production since 
its first case was prosecuted in 1996, and Sheriff Mark LeTexier wants 
citizens to be aware of the problem. This is why he's been visiting various 
groups around the county, giving an informal presentation on the subject 
titled "Meth 101."

More than 30 people showed up for his presentation at Our Savior's Lutheran 
School Monday night. While LeTexier has talked to seventh- through 
12th-graders, this particular presentation was appropriate for high school 
juniors and older. He discussed the manufacturing process and ingredients 
in meth, statistics, warning signs, and effects of the drug and answered 
numerous questions from the audience.

His PowerPoint slides also depicted several graphic images of what meth 
does to people. One slide showed 10 photos of a female addict - one for 
each year she was booked. From the first to the last she had noticeable 
deteriorated, and LeTexier noted she was barely alive at the end and 
suffered tremendous pain and agony in the process. (He added that he 
thought the woman had since died.)

"The big thing to do now is what you're doing," he told the audience. 
"Educate yourselves, bring it to others, find out what you can by watching 
programs on this, reading about it and checking out the Internet."

While the Internet is a good source of information, he said, it has also 
had the unfortunate consequence of proliferating meth use and manufacture.

"You can get information on how to make it anywhere," he said.

LeTexier noted how stores and lawmakers have taken the initiative to limit 
sales of pseudoephedrine and ephedrine products, the key ingredient in 
meth. Some require sales behind the counter, through a pharmacy or limit to 
two packs at a time. Minnesota is also in the process of passing a new law 
tracking sales of such products as Sudafed.

He showed some of the common ingredients and equipment used to "cook" meth, 
including Coleman fuel, Sudafed, muriatic acid, plastic tubing, coffee 
filters, foil and a pop bottle.

"There are a hundred different ways to make meth," he said. "They all 
create a chemical reaction, but some of the ingredients can vary."

Anhydrous ammonia, which is most always stolen, is also used in the 
manufacturing process. LeTexier said the chemical is extremely cold and 
severely burns skin instantly upon contact.

"Part of the attraction here in rural America is the flat country," he 
said. "You can see traffic for a long way, so if you see lights coming, you 
can pack it up quickly."

What to do

LeTexier said there are several signs of a possible meth lab that everyone 
should be aware of, including:

A blue tinge to the brass on a fuel tank shows that anhydrous ammonia has 
come in contact with it.

"Do not touch it or go anywhere near it," he said. Instead, call law 
enforcement immediately.

Numerous empty packages of ingredients used in the manufacture of meth 
grouped in one area, such as blister packs of the cold tablets, and/or 
equipment such as coffee filters tinged red or plastic tubing

Strong chemical odors coming from the residence

Frequent visitors day and night

Keeping shades or curtains drawn, residence enclosed and dark all the time

Occupants appear secretive, unfriendly, paranoid and keep to themselves

Anyone who has even a slight suspicion of drug activity should call the 
sheriff's office at 281-0431, LeTexier said, so the office can start a 
folder on the situation.

"It might be nothing, but at least if we have a folder started, we have 
that so if there are more calls we can investigate," he explained.

A woman in the audience was concerned about the effects neighbors using 
meth could have on her family's health. LeTexier stressed that, if you 
suspect someone of using or manufacturing, do not confront that person 
directly as he or she might physically harm you. Instead, call law 
enforcement immediately. This can be done anonymously, he added.

As for protecting your children from taking up drugs, "You must 
consistently ask the who, the what, the when, the where, and the why," he 
said. "Even then you just don't know, but it's a good start."

A disturbing statistic related to teen meth use, LeTexier pointed out, is 
that about half of females start taking it to lose weight. He added that, 
while about 10 percent of those who try alcohol for the first time become 
addicted, 98 percent of those who try meth become addicted.

One of the only physical ways to tell a person is on meth at any given 
times is dilated pupils, he said. Being confrontational or paranoid is a 
key characteristic as well.

"Meth is violence," LeTexier stressed. "You don't know what damage it's 
going to do to the brain or the rest of the body. It affects people 
differently. You shake the dice to see the effects."

Unfortunately, he pointed out, the recovery rate for meth addition is 
extremely low, complicated by mental and physical issues. Addiction experts 
are trying to come up with appropriate programs, he said, though he's 
confident that if addicts could get in the right program it would work.

"Meth is not just about users," LeTexier noted. "It has a ripple effect on 
children" and on society itself.

Polk County is looking at enacting a meth ordinance, he said, that would 
address issues such as clean-up costs, damages and protection for innocent 
neighbors.

The county busted 10 meth labs last year and in only the first quarter of 
this year, six, he added.

"The message we're sending in this area is we don't want you using, we 
don't want you dealing. If you get caught you will go to jail or prison. 
We'll use our K-9 or whatever it takes."
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MAP posted-by: Beth