Pubdate: Wed, 26 Dec 2007
Source: Telegraph-Forum (OH)
Copyright: 2007 Telegraph-Forum
Contact:  http://www.bucyrustelegraphforum.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/2626
Author: Mark Caudill
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/meth.htm (Methamphetamine)

METH LABS RISKY BUSINESS

MANSFIELD -- Meth-amphetamine presents special risks  for law enforcement.

"Meth labs are extremely dangerous and volatile given  the chemicals 
and methods used to manufacture the  drugs," METRICH Commander Lt. 
Dino Sgambellone said.  "Meth abusers exhibit extreme chronic effects 
and are  prone to paranoia and violence among other physical characteristics."

Meth use can be highly addictive, even lethal. Its  effects are 
similar to those of amphetamine but are  more damaging to the central 
nervous system. Meth can  be smoked, snorted or taken orally, but 
it's most  frequently injected. The user experiences an intense  rush.

"Users try to maintain their high by bingeing, which  can last from 
three to 15 days," Sgambellone said.  "They may forego sleep and lose 
their capability to  maintain their day-to-day responsibilities.

"Tweaking occurs at the end of this binge when nothing  the user does 
replaces a

The Telegraph-Forum recently conducted a question and  answer session 
with Sgt. Chris Heydinger, Crawford  County access officer for 
METRICH, on the subject of  methamphetamine use here.

Question: Why the in-crease in meth making and usage  here in recent years?

Answer: "Because of a lack of detection. Our biggest  problem with 
meth, starting around 2002, we found like  6 meth labs in the Tiro area.

We are having thefts of ammonia. Labs out in rural  locations. In 
town, if you're mixing this stuff, it  creates quite an odor. Out in 
the county, amid 100  acres of woods or in a shed, it's less likely 
for  someone to notice.

They avoid detection by other citizens or law  enforcement. It's easy 
to create a lab under an old  railroad bridge."

Q: What have you found?

A: "We found the remains of one meth lab in Auburn  Township. I think 
that's the first one we've had since  2003. About five years ago, it 
was a booming craze,  methamphetamine.

We were just running ragged, taking reports and chasing  these guys 
at night. It was kind of a circle. Our  suspects were from Willard, 
Shelby, New Washington and  Tiro areas. And residents in the Tiro 
area were not  happy about that.

The sheriff got a dozen thank-yous and phone calls when  we found and 
arrested people."

Q: Is meth down and heroin up?

A: "Yes. The recent raid was related to heroin. It's  probably been 
the worst drug in last few years. Level  of heroin use and abuse 
around here has skyrocketed.  We've had a few overdose deaths in 2005 
and 2006. A  rash of thefts of copper wire occurred and we knew they 
were selling it for cash to buy heroin.

"The raid on the house on New Haven Road was big. We  had 11 people 
detained that day."

Q: When is drug use worse?

A: "These guys go year round. The (Crawford County)  Sheriff's office 
hit those guys in Bucyrus with a large  amount of marijuana, 100 
pounds or so. That was a huge  hit to these guys back in November.

"Then everybody gets real quiet. The question then is  'Who's next?' 
or Who's talking?' They'll shut down for  a day or two and slowly 
they'll get back into it once  their need for money or using the drug 
itself returns."

Q: What should residents watch for if they suspect a  meth lab is 
operating in their neighborhood?

A: "Humans are creatures of habit. They all do same  things. You live 
in your neighborhood and know what's  the norm for your neighborhood 
or place in general.

The average person does not get 45 visitors a day for  two minutes 
each. That's just not normal. Funny odors  or finding drug 
paraphernalia on the streets or  sidewalks are also signs.

If you notice things are unusual, give us a call and  let us look into it."

Q: What is the price of meth compared to other illegal drugs?

A: "It's running about $120-130 a gram. Marijuana is  $120 an ounce 
so it's considerably more expensive than  marijuana. Around here, $40 
for a balloon, 1/10 of a  gram. It could be one or more highs 
depending on the  user.

Q: How addictive is meth?

A: "From what I've learned at schools and talking to  meth addicts, 
it's an extremely powerful addiction. It  wreaks havoc on the body, 
especially the brain."

Q: What other drugs are being used in Crawford County?

A: "Cocaine, both powder and crack, and heroin are the  worst here. 
This year heroin has made a huge comeback.  We're catching people and 
recovering it. So many crimes  -- thefts, burglaries -- are tied back 
to supporting a  drug habit. It creates a lot of victims."
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