Pubdate: Sun, 26 Sep 2004 Source: Commercial Appeal (Memphis, TN) Copyright: 2004 The Commercial Appeal Contact: http://www.commercialappeal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/95 Author: C. D. 'Buddy' Lewis Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) Note: Guest columnist C. D. 'Buddy' Lewis is sheriff of Tipton County. STOPPING METH IS A COMMUNITY JOB Methamphetamine is a powerful, addictive drug that is reaching epidemic proportions across the country and has become a major challenge for law enforcement in Tennessee. According to the U.S. Department of Justice National Drug Intelligence Center, meth production, distribution and abuse are frequently associated with violent crime in Tennessee. The state accounts for 75 percent of all methamphetamine produced, sold, used or transported in the southeastern United States. In addition, 10.2 percent of high school students surveyed in Tennessee report having abused methamphetamine at least one time. The national average is 9.1 percent. The methamphetamine problem is more than a drug problem; meth poses public safety, environmental and public health issues that make its manufacture and use a more serious threat than other drugs that entered society in the past. And solving the problem requires more than a law enforcement effort; it requires commitment from the entire community. Methamphetamine is manufactured with common household products such as drain cleaner, batteries, cold medicines, table salt, coffee filters and propane tanks. The manufacturing process presents dangers because it often occurs in clandestine labs that produce toxic emissions and hazardous waste. Some of these labs are small enough to fit into a shoe box and are highly portable; for every pound of meth they produce, 5 to 7 pounds of hazardous waste materials result. In Tennessee, methamphetamine tears families apart, destroys marriages and takes children away from their parents. On average, more than 700 children across Tennessee are placed in state custody each year as a result of meth problems. Meth labs are being found in our neighborhoods and near our schools. In Tipton County, we have found meth labs in motel rooms, cars, trucks, trailers and in wooded areas near rivers and streams. In Tipton County, we launched our local meth watch program in February, after the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation instituted a similar program statewide. I felt it was important to get local people involved in helping our county law enforcement. The local news media gave our program great coverage. Civic groups became involved. We talked to church groups, medical professionals, school teachers, students and business owners. Tipton County citizens found that they could help just by calling us if they saw anything unusual in their neighborhoods or at work. Rather than calling an 800 number in another city to report suspicious activity, people could call a local number and talk to a local person. Approximately 25 meth labs have been seized, numerous arrests have been made and children have been rescued from the dangers of the meth labs in the eight months since we launched our local meth watch program. I have found through this process that people will help if they are only asked. The meth problem is a national problem that will not be solved overnight. A strong commitment toward tougher drug laws, education, law enforcement and treatment will be necessary if this battle is to be won. And community involvement is a key part of making that happen. I am confident, however, that the battle will be won. The people of Tipton County have shown their willingness to get involved, and that will go a long way toward ridding our communities of the scourge of meth and other illegal drugs. By getting involved, lives can be saved. I urge people to get involved and help save the life of a child. Who knows? You may save the life of a child you love. Guest columnist C. D. 'Buddy' Lewis is sheriff of Tipton County. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek