Pubdate: Tue, 20 Jan 2009
Source: Jefferson Post, The (NC)
Copyright: 2009 The Jefferson Post
Contact:  http://www.jeffersonpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1771
Author: Jesse Campbell

ASHE SHOWS VARIOUS OF SIGNS OF METH CONNECTION

In March of 2008, Sheriff James Williams believes he started making 
good on his promise to clean up drugs in Ashe County when his office 
conducted an investigation that nabbed 15 suspects who were charged 
with possession of various illicit drugs including marijuana, opium, 
heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

At the conclusion of the day, investigators believed that the 
operation was a success as it conveyed a clear message to drug users 
and distributors that they better sleep with one eye open because the 
sheriff's office would be looking for them.

The year of 2008 proved to be an especially busy year for deputies 
and Sheriff Williams. Earlier in March, an investigation led by the 
sheriff's offices in Ashe and Wilkes counties resulted in the 
region's largest methamphetamine seizure and bust. An investigation 
that began in May 2007 resulted in the arrest of nine individuals, 
eight of whom were charged with a variety of drug related offenses, 
including conspiracy with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of 
methamphetamine. Altogether, the 23 pounds of methamphetamine and one 
kilogram of cocaine seized was believed to be valued in an excess of 
$1.4 million.

If convicted, each of the defendants charged could be facing a 
minimum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and maximum penalty 
of life on the conspiracy charges alone, U.S. Attorney Gretchen C.F. 
Shappert said in March.

Methamphetamine usage would also prove hazardous to the safety and 
well-being of innocent Ashe County citizens in February.

Shortly before Valentine's Day, the Ashe County Sheriff's Office 
received reports of a clandestine methamphetamine lab that had been 
abandoned on the side of the road in the Todd community.

A family driving on Big Flatts Church Road noticed a large trash can 
on the side of the road that was emitting smoke. An investigation 
conducted by the Fleetwood Volunteer Fire Department and the Ashe 
County Sheriff's Office revealed that the smoking trash can contained 
items that were consistent with a condensed ammonia meth lab, 
authorities said. Although no arrests were made from the disposed 
mobile lab, growing concern in the community began to mount that 
innocent citizens could be directly affected by the production of the 
illicit drug. The sheriff's office also stressed the importance to 
citizens of keeping a safe distance from suspicious items found on 
the roadside and other areas.

The smoking meth lab found in the Todd area was not the first 
incident of methamphetamine possibly impacting the greater community.

In September of 2007, a three month investigation led by the Ashe 
County Sheriff's Office revealed yet another methamphetamine seizure. 
This time, however, the drug appeared in a more disturbing form. 
Nicknamed "Strawberry Quick" by some users, the pink crystal 
methamphetamine substance resembling rock candy with an aroma of 
strawberries was seized in the Lansing community. The Ashe County 
Sheriff's Office and the D.E.A. immediately feared that the drug 
would appeal to young teenagers due to its candy-like form. At the 
time of the arrests, the investigation was still on-going as it had 
extended in portions of Virginia.

Between Ashe and Grayson counties, multiple ounces of "Strawberry 
Quick" had been seized in the case. The seizure of the pink crystal 
methamphetamine substance was the first reported incident east of 
Missouri. The drug first appeared in a gang member's home that was 
raided by authorities in Carson City, Nev. It is feared by national 
law enforcement officials that the drug may be mistaken as candy and 
could be accidentally ingested.

As the methamphetamine epidemic continued to sweep over the county, 
the sheriff's office stepped up its efforts to halt the growing and 
disturbing trend. In the Post's recent evaluation of methamphetamine 
usage in Ashe County, the rise of crystal meth production and usage 
was outlined. Additional insight of how the drug affects the mind and 
body of users was discussed as well.

In the Post's final installment in the examination on the threat that 
crystal methamphetamine poses to Ashe County and its people, possible 
routes to a recovery from methamphetamine related addictions will be 
outlined by state officials as well as information on how to obtain such help.
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MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart