What is Methamphetamine?
Methamphetamine, or "Meth", is a highly toxic and addictive drug that has a dramatic effect on the central nervous system.
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What is in it?
Meth is a man-made drug that contains ingredients such as Sudafed (Sudoeffedrine), Lithium (found in batteries), Alcohol/Alcohol Based Products, Ether/Starting Fluid, Sulfuric acid/Acetone, Industrial Strength Drain Cleaner, Acetone, Rock Salt
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How is it used?
Meth can be smoked, snorted, orally ingested, or injected.
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What does it do?
Short term – Meth is a powerful stimulant that can increase wakefulness and decrease appetite. Meth causes a large release of dopamine in the brain. Users appear agitated, have rapid speech, and increased physical activity. Physical changes include dilated pupils, increased heart rate, increased blood pressure, increase body temperature, and tremors.
Long term - Meth is highly addictive. Chronic abusers show significant weight loss, teeth grinding, and open wounds. Use of the drug can cause irreparable damage to the blood vessels in the brain, resulting in stroke. Chronic users may have violent behavior and psychotic features such as paranoia, hallucinations, and delusions.
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How is it made?
Meth is made up clandestine laboratories. The process of making meth is easier than ever. Recipes are readily available.
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Where are these labs?
These labs can be found anywhere. They are in urban, suburban, and rural locations. They can be in homes, garages, sheds, and cars. They are in poor, middle class and wealthy neighborhoods.
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How much does it cost to make?
An investment of several hundred dollars can yield several thousand dollars worth of product.
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Who is using meth?
Males and females. Old and young. Wealthy, middle class, and poor.
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Why should I care about this problem?
Labs can explode. Children in these labs are exposed to toxic chemicals. People on meth often engage in criminal behavior. There is a huge cost associated with the drug including the cost to investigate, arrest, and incarcerate these individuals, the cost to place the children found in the labs. Each pound of meth leaves behind 5-6 pounds of toxic waste, which is typically disposed of inappropriately. There are consequently huge clean up costs.
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Have labs been busted in Clermont County?
YES.
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What should I look for?
Labs often have strong chemical smells to them. Observers may see large amounts of cold medicine, drain cleaner, antifreeze, batteries, coffee filters, glass beakers, mason jars, other liquid containers with hosing taped to them.
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Who should I call if I suspect a meth lab?
Clermont County Sheriff
Narcotics Task Force
(513) 635-2806
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