Methamphetamine is a powerful stimulant. The street drug version is most often manufactured illegally in home based and mobile labs known as clandestine labs. It is known as speed, crystal, crank, or ice on the street.

Methamphetamine can be ingested through swallowing, snorting, smoking and injecting it. No matter what form it is in, methamphetamine is extremely dangerous and induces long-lasting, debilitating effects.

Many side effects arise from meth use including irritability, nervousness, insomnia, nausea, hot flashes, dry mouth, sweating, palpitations, brain damage, manic-depressive behavior, and hypertension. Used in excess, it can cause mental confusion, severe anxiety, and paranoia.

Drug Info: NDIC Drug Fast Facts, Idaho Meth Project

Dangers of Methamphetamine

Crime: Meth users and cookers need money to support their habit and often steal to get it. Stolen property is often pawned or traded in exchange for the drug.

Domestic Abuse: Meth users are very aggressive and paranoid which often results in cases of domestic abuse. Children in homes where meth is used are often innocent victims of various forms of child abuse. Children living in these homes are exposed to toxic chemicals, used/dirty hypodermic needles and have access to unsecured weapons.

Highly Addictive: Meth users become both physically and psychologically dependent on the drug in a very short time.

Toxic Waste: Meth manufacturing leaves behind much hazardous waste. One pound of meth results in approximately six pounds of hazardous waste. The containers release toxic fumes from acids, solvents and other ingredients that can result in disfigurement and even death when contact is made with the skin or breathed into the lungs.

Meth Labs: What to Look For

Meth Labs can be anywhere. They are found at every social level and in nearly every age group. Think your neighbor is exempt? Think again. Watch for these telltale signs of a laboratory:

Noxious odors
Odd hours
Excessive traffic
Chemical containers
Exhaust fans constantly running
High electric or water bills
Purchases of large quantities (Acetone, Drano, Matches, etc.)
Multiply packages of cold/sinus tablet
Filthy living conditions
No visible means of support
Darkened windows
Windows sealed shut
Frequent deliveries (glassware, chemicals, etc.)
Coffee grinders (white residue)

Meth User Characteristics

What does someone using meth look like? Below are a few signs of someone using meth. Has someone you know suddenly become a different person? It could be meth use causing the change. Watch for:

Long periods without sleep
Cannot sit still - hyperactive
Easily agitated & aggressive
Cotton mouth
Rapid weight loss
Injection sites/bruising
Tooth loss
Long periods without eating
Picks at skin constantly
Grayish, leather like skin
Sores on skin
Paranoid behavior
Red & dry nose
Strange body odor

Never enter a house or building you suspect to confirm your suspicions. These labs are highly flammable and can explode without warning. Booby traps are also common. Notify law enforcement immediately and stay away from the area.

Why Be Concerned?

Meth users contribute to a large percentage of crime in our area. They steal to get money to buy the drug and also to manufacture it. Meth is a cheap high that lasts longer than cocaine. For a small investment in materials, a meth lab operator can make a large profit. Because of the highly addictive nature of the drug, both physical and psychological, they are in constant need for more, which results in constant criminal activity to get it. You, your family or your business could be the next target. Don’t wait to be a victim. Fight back now by helping shut these labs down. Your child could be walking past a lab everyday to get to school. If you suspect a lab, let law enforcement know as soon as possible. DO NOT enter the building you suspect. DO NOT go near any waste dump areas. Write down as much information as possible, but DO NOT put yourself in danger.