Pubdate: Sun, 30 Sep 2007 Source: Bradenton Herald (FL) Copyright: 2007 Bradenton Herald Contact: http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/58 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine) METHAMPHETAMINE DESTROYS PEOPLE AND SCARS COMMUNITIES The mental devastation leaves users paranoid and delusional. The physical toll ages users decades, leaving dark circles under the eyes and sagging skin on the face. A user can literally blow holes in the nose by snorting this wicked stuff day after day. We've witnessed the havoc methamphetamine can leave on a community. The idiots operating meth labs have touched off explosions that destroy rental homes - and possibly one or two next door. Infants have been found crawling in these labs among dangerous chemicals and toxic fumes. Hazardous waste teams, all wrapped up in hazmat suits, have to clean up abandoned labs, but some houses still get torn down due to contamination. Meth makers have even resorted to rolling labs in the back of cargo trucks. Robberies and theft skyrocket as those desperate for a fix grab whatever they can sell. Communities in other places are living this nightmare. We're staring this in the face right now. Thankfully, law enforcement officials - the Bradenton Police Department along with the Drug Enforcement Administration and Manatee County Sheriff's Office - made what they're calling a dent in Manatee's meth trade. This week, authorities busted 19 people and seized 32 pounds of meth with an estimated street value of $575,000 in "Operation Broken Ice." Fourteen of the suspects were described as main players in the ring, and the alleged ringleaders are a 44-year-old mother and her two sons, ages 26 and 19. Police also seized dozens of weapons and a homemade bomb. A bomb! Some suspects got nabbed while sleeping with rifles. That's how desperate these dopeheads are. Authorities are still arresting and looking for suspects. And they are bracing for the next go-round with meth. Kudos to law enforcement for the success of "Operation Broken Ice." The community is a bit safer now. But as authorities said, this week's bust is just a dent in Manatee's meth trade. So let's not rest on our laurels. Meth has an insidious way of becoming an epidemic. Authorities are already bracing for other meth addicts to fill the void left by this week's bust. We all must be vigilant in looking out for the signs of a meth lab. They don't come in neon. Check out the list of clues below. Talk Back Have you been touched by the meth problem? Are there any signs of a meth lab in your neighborhood? Share your views in the Opinion section of Bradenton.com. How can you spot a meth lab in your neighborhood? A large amount of cold tablet containers that list ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as ingredients Jars containing clear liquid with a white-or red-colored solid on the bottom Jars labeled as containing iodine or dark, shiny metallic purple crystals inside of jars Jars labeled as containing red phosphorus or a fine, dark red or purple powder Coffee filters containing a white pasty substance, a dark red sludge or small amounts of shiny white crystals Bottles labeled as containing sulfuric, muriatic or hydrochloric acid Bottles or jars with rubber tubing attached Glass cookware or frying pans containing a powdery residue An unusually large number of cans of camp fuel, paint thinner, acetone, starter fluid, lye and drain cleaners containing sulfuric acid or bottles containing muriatic acid Large amounts of lithium batteries, especially ones that have been stripped Soft silver or gray metallic ribbon (in chunk form) stored in oil or kerosene Propane tanks with fittings that have turned blue Occupants of residence going outside to smoke Strong smell of urine or unusual chemical smells like ether, ammonia or acetone SOURCE: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration - --- MAP posted-by: Derek