Pubdate: Thu, 20 May 2004 Source: Sampson Independent, The (NC) Copyright: 2004, The Sampson Independent Contact: http://www.clintonnc.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1704 Author: L.E. Brown Jr. COMMISSIONERS BRIEFED ON METH ISSUES IN COUNTY CLINTON - State Bureau of Investigation SBI Special Agent Duane Deaver told a meeting of the Sampson County Board of Commissioners earlier this week that county agencies and organizations are doing a good job dealing with methamphetamine labs but there remains a problem. "But because of your planning, this county is going to be in good shape in dealing with this problem," Deaver said. J.W. Simmons, with the Continuing Education Division of Sampson Community College, asked commissioners for Deaver to appear to brief commissioners on the problem. He noted in his letter that a second meeting of the Strategic Task Force is scheduled for May 20 at the college to help develop strategies and identify resources to heighten public awareness and develop training initiatives for dealing with the labs. Deaver noted that law enforcement, the Health Department, Department of Social Services and others have been working to find and deal with the presence of methamphetamine labs. Citing a report published as a result of a state methamphetamine summit convened by Attorney General Roy Cooper, Deaver said methamphetamine labs are a growing problem in North Carolina, especially in western counties. The report warns: "The meth problem will overwhelm our ability to respond if steps are not taken. This fast-growing illegal drug problem has already stressed our resources, but it has the potential to overwhelm North Carolina's judiciary, law enforcement, social services and public health facilities." "It's not hit in this county like it has in the western part of the state," said Deaver. He said the SBI reported only nine methamphetamine busts in 1999, but that number grew to 177 last year. So far this year, said Deaver there have been about 130 cases, on track for there to be a record number of lab busts this year. Methamphetamine is attractive to users because it's cheaper than cocaine and gives a "bigger, quicker high than cocaine," Deaver said. "Our agency is available here to help," said Deaver, and added that one way is to educate county agencies and organizations and the public. In general, what has been found in Sampson County are small labs, Deaver said. The report notes that each lab also produces a toxic waste site, and the labs frequently explode or cause fires. One explosion occurred in Johnston County, Deaver said. He said methamphetamine labs are dangerous to law enforcement personnel and firefighters. According to the summit report, methamphetamine differs from drugs like marijuana, heroin and cocaine because the very production of the drug causes severe environmental damage. He said the SBI found that, during 2003, of the 177 labs seized, 69 children were residing in homes with meth labs and 37 children were present when the meth labs was discovered. In California, he said, several children have been found to have methamphetamine in their blood. This is common, he said, because many who make methamphetamine use kitchen facilities. Deaver said that, contrary to what many might think, manufacturing methamphetamine is a complicated process. Many makers, he said, get instructions from the Internet. According to the summit report, it was found that state laws regarding meth labs are insufficient. It says law enforcement and prosecutors have had a hard time getting active prison time for meth manufacturers. "Under current state law, meth manufacturers who have no past criminal record generally receive a suspended sentence with probation. L. E. Brown, Jr. can be reached at 910-592-8137, ext. 20. or email --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart