Pubdate: Sun, 14 Aug 2011 Source: Rome Observer (NY) Contact: http://www.romeobserver.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/5287 Author: Tim Bates DANGERS OF METHAMPHETAMINES Recently the Rome Police Department, with the assistance of several other agencies was able to successfully execute a search warrant that led to the discovery of a methamphetamine lab and the arrest of two individuals. This is unfortunately an increasingly common occurrence around the country as methamphetamine related arrests are on the rise, and the demand for the drug is increasing. Methamphetamine is a stimulant drug that is highly addictive and powerfully activates certain systems in the brain. Although it does have some medical uses (such as in some extreme cases of obesity) those uses are very limited. The chemicals that are used in the manufacture of methamphetamines are often diverted from legal sources, such as cold medicines, fertilizer, refrigerants and even matches. Methamphetamines come in several different forms, and can be ingested in many different ways, such as snorting, smoking, oral ingestion or via injection. Smoking has quickly become the method of choice for many users as it provides a much faster intake to the brain, but it also leads to a vastly increased chance of addiction and even more serious health issues. Street names for the drug include "speed", "meth", "ice", "crank", "crystal" and "glass". Although it is a highly addictive and destructive drug, its users are so powerfully addicted that clandestine laboratories set up to produce the drug have become more common. These labs are not only dangerous because of the drug that they produce, but due to the high risk of physical injury (explosions, toxic fumes, chemical burns and fires) and environmental hazards (hazardous waste and ground contamination). The most unfortunate adverse side effect is child endangerment; many areas afflicted by this issue have reported that many times children are exposed to these hazards, and may have dangerous chemicals or illegal drugs in their systems, and may even suffer burns to their lungs or skin from the physical risks associated with these labs. Many are badly neglected by their addicted parents, and unfortunately some have actually died in fires or explosions. People may be completely unaware that they are living near a methamphetamine lab. They have been found in houses, barns, apartments, trailers, motel rooms and even in the back of pick-up trucks. The equipment that is needed to run a lab can be contained in something as small as a gym bag. In response to this escalating issue, there are many resources that are now being offered by the government and some private groups in an effort to battle this crime. One such group (kci.org) offers a list of signs that you can look for that may indicate the presence of a methamphetamine lab in your neighborhood: * Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals). * Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.) * Lots of traffic - people coming and going at unusual times. There may be little traffic during the day, but at night the activity increases dramatically. * Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape. * Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home. * Windows blacked out or covered by aluminum foil, plywood, sheets, blankets, etc. * Secretive / protective area surrounding the residence (like video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs, reinforced doors, electrified fencing). * Little or no mail, furniture, visible trash and no newspaper delivery. We would like to add that a residence or structure with inordinate number of propane tanks could also be an indicator of illicit drug activity. More data and a vast amount of information, resources and educational materials about this subject can be found at http://www.kci.org/meth_info/neighborhood_lab.htm .