I am
very concerned about the Meth problem that is facing
southern Indiana. Long-term I see this issue only
getting worse unless we act now to stop its spread.
There are a number of ways in which we can go about
stopping this problem.
The most productive way is to have greater involvement
by our state government. Millions of dollars will be
wasted or lost every year.
We must be proactive and take control over how much of
this money is being spent, by using it for specific
programs and ideas that we can use to control the
problem.
Much of the Meth that is produced uses anhydrous ammonia
that is often stolen from the agricultural community.
The state could help combat this problem, by providing,
at no cost to the farmers a dye that readily identifies
this stolen chemical.
By reducing the accessibility for producing Meth, the
results will be, less money spent on our assistance
programs.
By combating this problem we can keep people healthy,
working, and off welfare programs which will allow them
to be more productive citizens.
IS THERE A METH LAB IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?
Many people
may be unaware that they're living near a meth lab.
Meth labs
turn up in houses, barns, apartments, trailers, campers,
cabins and motel rooms – even the backs of pickups. The
equipment for a meth lab can be as small as to fit in a
duffel bag, a cardboard box or the trunk of a car.
Here are
some things to look for in identifying a meth lab:
•
Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia,
acetone or other chemicals).
• Residences with windows blacked out.
• Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug
dealers trade exclusively in cash.)
• Lots of traffic - people coming and going at unusual
times. There may be little traffic during the day, but
at night the activity increases dramatically.
• Excessive trash including large amounts of items such
as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red
chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and
duct tape.
• Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being
brought into the home.
• Windows blacked out or covered by aluminum foil,
plywood, sheets, blankets, etc.
• Secretive / protective area surrounding the residence
(like video cameras, alarm systems, guard dogs,
reinforced doors, electrified fencing)
• Persons exiting the structure to smoke
• Little traffic during the day, but high traffic at
late hours; including different vehicles arriving and
staying for short periods of time.
• Little or no mail, furniture, visible trash and no
newspaper delivery.
If you
suspect a meth lab, alert law enforcement immediately.
Stay away from the scene, since occupants at a lab site
can be dangerous and unpredictable, and exposure to the
chemicals can cause injury. If the community works
together, we can dismantle this problem while improving
the health and well-being of our community.
