Pubdate: Sun, 29 Aug 2004 Source: Cleveland Daily Banner (TN) Copyright: 2004 Cleveland Daily Banner Contact: http://www.clevelandbanner.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/947 Author: Wes Snyder Jr., CPD Chief Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth) 80 METH LABS HAVE BEEN DISMANTLED IN CLEVELAND, BRADLEY COUNTY As many of you already know, Cleveland/Bradley County has seen a staggering increase in methamphetamine use and production over the past three years. Between Jan. 1 and Aug. 25, the Southeast Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force reports 80 meth labs have been discovered and disposed of in Cleveland/Bradley County. Only 56 labs were dismantled during the entire year of 2003. The most meth labs discovered in Tennessee during a calendar year was in Marion County with 91 being discovered in 2001. The Cleveland Police Department has provided the public with information on the necessary chemicals used to produce methamphetamine, and we have received unwavering cooperation from merchants and citizens in the community. Discovery of many meth labs that have been dismantled this year can be largely attributed to this cooperation. The production and use of methamphetamine not only affects those involved, but those close by. Most importantly it affects the children in those settings. They cannot make the decision to participate in this scourge that has contaminated our community. They are innocent and are victimized by methamphetamine. The Tennessee Department of Child Services investigated 39 cases in Cleveland/Bradley County that involved children living in or dangerously close to meth labs since the beginning of April 2004. There were 73 children involved in those 39 cases. As a result of their investigations, 38 children were removed from what was determined to be a dangerous environment. Methamphetamine has proven to contaminate all socioeconomic classes and races within our community as well as across the Southeast. Historically, no other drug has accomplished this. Whether it be methamphetamine or crystallized methamphetamine (a more pure form), it has affected almost everyone in our community. Drug abuse is a disease that does not have an easy cure, but together we can move forward and fight this battle. If you would like information or literature related to methamphetamine, please contact Crime Prevention Officer George Campbell at 559-3386. If you would like to inform the Cleveland Police Department of possible methamphetamine use and/or production, please contact the Special Investigations Unit at 559-3305. You can remain anonymous. Traffic Tip Unfortunately our city's first traffic fatality was recorded this week on Stuart Road. CPD will be aggressively enforcing the speed limit in this and other areas of the city. Speed limits are set for the safety of motorists. Please obey the posted speed limits wherever you travel. Speed is a contributing factor in most fatal crashes. Thank You A special thank you goes to Weed & Seed Youth Services Coordinator Dee Brooks for an excellent job planning and overseeing the Drug Education For Youth Camp. CPD officers Evelyn Lastra, April Ratcliff, Scott Bronze, Brandon West and Reserve Officer Tom Castello also contributed a great deal to the success of the camp. Students who attend the camp must reside within the Weed & Seed area and are selected by the school system and the Youth Services Coordinator to attend the DEFY Camp. Tips, Trends and Surveys If your plans for the upcoming Labor Day weekend include alcohol consumption, please drink responsibly. CRIME TIP LINE: 728-INFO (4636) ANIMAL CONTROL: 479-2122 LITTER HOTLINE: 559-3307 BULLYING HOTLINE: 473-1046 - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake