Pubdate: Sat, 26 Feb 2005
Source: Federal Way Mirror (WA)
Contact:  http://www.fedwaymirror.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2077
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

TAKING METH DOWN

King County Makes Progress

Here's encouraging news: The number of methamphetamine drug labs uncovered 
in King County last year was less than what was reported in 2003. And 
thanks to the down-tick here and in 24 other counties, meth labs statewide 
decreased for the third year in a row, further reversing a steady rise that 
began in the 1990s and ended in 2001.

The state Department of Ecology, which is notified by counties when 
despicable meth-making operations are discovered, reports 1,337 sites were 
taken out of commission last year. That's a 9.6 percent decrease from the 
1,480 in 2003, a noteworthy encroachment on the illegal drug business that 
has been such a scourge on communities.

Counties with the most meth labs have been King, Pierce, Snohomish and 
Thurston. But last year, only Pierce and Snohomish had gains. Lamentably, 
so did 10 others.

Acids, iodine, sodium hydroxide, flammable solvents, anhydrous ammonia, 
lithium, sodium metals and red phosphorous are used to produce meth. The 
substances can cause severe injury or death if inhaled or touched, and they 
require special handling to remove safely. Authorities say anyone who finds 
a suspected meth lab or evidence of one should leave immediately and 
contact the police -- and help keep the trend going in the right direction: 
Down.
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MAP posted-by: Beth