Re: The article "Lawmen step up training to battle meth labs" (A-J, 8-25).

As a past resident of Lubbock and currently the sergeant in a narcotics unit in a small city in east Arkansas, we have seen the awful power that methamphetamine has over its victims. Arkansas is the unfortunate leader in the number of clandestine labs per capita.

The dangers in the use and manufacture of this drug have a far- reaching effect on all, whether they are users or not. When meth is used, the effects are clear. But when these "environmental terrorists" begin dumping the chemicals into the ground and water supply, it directly causes trouble for everyone, not to mention the explosive risk.

Law enforcement officers desperately need all the training that can be supplied to them. The training money in Arkansas has run out and the clandestine labs continue to rise. Don't let the "cranksters" win. Everyone loses.

DANA J. DYKES/Marion, Ark. Via e-mail

[end]