Pubdate: Fri, 06 Oct 2006
Source: Kent County Daily Times (RI)
Copyright: 2005 Kent County Daily Times
Contact:  http://www.kentcountytimes.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3802
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

KEEP METH AWAY

Police tell us that, at least so far, the reported discovery of a 
methamphetamine lab in a Coventry home is an isolated incident. Let's hope so.

Authorities have charged a Warwick resident and a Coventry resident 
in their investigation, in which police said they found a Shady 
Valley Road home full of ingredients used to make the drugs.

We commend the authorities involved for acting quickly, and 
successfully coordinating efforts among various levels of law 
enforcement - because if they hadn't, the results could have been disastrous.

Let's be clear: Methamphetamines are bad, bad news. Whatever drug 
problems we've already got in our communities, we don't want them 
complicated by the introduction of this particular scourge. When meth 
hits a community, it tends to hit hard. As soon as it gets a foothold 
in a neighborhood, it takes over, with insidious perseverance.

Methamphetamines, most commonly sold on the street as crystal meth or 
anyone of a number of impure variants, is highly psychologically 
addictive. Those who ingest it are loaded up with excessive energy.

Withdrawal can be a difficult experience, marked by severe 
depression, anxiety, and, of course, craving of the drug itself.

And then, of course, is the secondary but still pressing reason we 
don't want to see meth get a hold in our towns - clandestine 
methamphetamine laboratories are virtual powder kegs. The slightest 
mistakes in handling the materials used to make the drug can result 
in explosions and fires that take out entire homes.

Methamphetamine is more than a public health hazard; it's an 
immediate and extreme safety hazard. We urge anyone with any 
information at all about methamphetamine or other illicit drug 
distribution to contact their local authorities immediately. You can 
reach the Warwick Police Department Tip line at 732-8477, the West 
Warwick Police Department at 821-4323, or the Coventry Police 
Department 856-1100. Those with drug problems can contact the Kent 
Center for help at 738-4300.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman