Pubdate: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 Source: Southeast Sun, The (Enterprise, AL) Copyright: 2010 The Southeast Sun Contact: http://www.southeastsun.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3701 Author: Melissa Braun, Sun Staff Writer Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. NEW METH CRAZE ON THE RISE Though the use of lithium strips has long been used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine across the nation, Coffee County Sheriff's Department officials say it is increasing in popularity in the county. In recent drug raids by the Coffee County Sheriff's Department and Enterprise Police Department, officers have found manufacturers using lithium strips from batteries to speed the production of methamphetamine in a sort of one-step process. The lithium, when placed in a bottle with pseudoephedrine, ammonia-nitrate and/or other chemicals, makes a fiery and gaseous reaction that quickly makes methamphetamine. Following the reaction, a manufacture is left with burned lithium strips and methamphetamine if the reaction goes smoothly. Using lithium can be dangerous. CCSD Sgt. Tony Harrison said the reaction becomes extremely hot and the bottle expands, risking the possibility of an explosion. The gases released by the chemical reaction, said EPD narcotics officer Darrel Griswold, are also poisonous. The risks do not outweigh the benefits many addicts believe manufacturing offers while under the effect of the stimulant drug. Three weeks ago Griswold and Officer Daniel Stowe arrested 38-year-old [name redacted] on Ouida Street in Enterprise and charged her with manufacturing a controlled substance in the second degree, according to Enterprise arrest reports. Crook was utilizing the use of lithium to "cook" her methamphetamine, according to Griswold. Harrison and CCSD deputies raided a home Friday evening in the Victoria community where lithium was also being used to manufacture methamphetamine. No arrests have been made at this time. The individual was seen leaving his home with a minor before officers were able to take him into custody. His name is being withheld pending an arrest. Pubdate: Wed, 01 Sep 2010 Source: Southeast Sun Author: Melissa Braun Sun Staff Writer Note: MAP archives articles exactly as published, except that our editors may redact the names and addresses of accused persons who have not been convicted of a crime, if those named are not otherwise public figures or officials. NEW METH CRAZE ON THE RISE Though the use of lithium strips has long been used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine across the nation, Coffee County Sheriff's Department officials say it is increasing in popularity in the county. In recent drug raids by the Coffee County Sheriff's Department and Enterprise Police Department, officers have found manufacturers using lithium strips from batteries to speed the production of methamphetamine in a sort of one-step process. The lithium, when placed in a bottle with pseudoephedrine, ammonia-nitrate and/or other chemicals, makes a fiery and gaseous reaction that quickly makes methamphetamine. Following the reaction, a manufacture is left with burned lithium strips and methamphetamine if the reaction goes smoothly. Using lithium can be dangerous. CCSD Sgt. Tony Harrison said the reaction becomes extremely hot and the bottle expands, risking the possibility of an explosion. The gases released by the chemical reaction, said EPD narcotics officer Darrel Griswold, are also poisonous. The risks do not outweigh the benefits many addicts believe manufacturing offers while under the effect of the stimulant drug. Three weeks ago Griswold and Officer Daniel Stowe arrested 38-year-old [name redacted] on Ouida Street in Enterprise and charged her with manufacturing a controlled substance in the second degree, according to Enterprise arrest reports. Crook was utilizing the use of lithium to "cook" her methamphetamine, according to Griswold. Harrison and CCSD deputies raided a home Friday evening in the Victoria community where lithium was also being used to manufacture methamphetamine. No arrests have been made at this time. The individual was seen leaving his home with a minor before officers were able to take him into custody. His name is being withheld pending an arrest. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D