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Methamphetamine Menace
Fastest Rising Drug Threat
Los Angeles, CA -- As families, law enforcement, and governments
worldwide continue their battle to thwart the menace of drug abuse,
their efforts are being curtailed by the fastest rising threat to
date - homemade methamphetamine. (See:
www.drugabusestatistics.samhsa.gov) According to a report in
Issue #37 of The National Survey on Drug Use and Health, the
trafficking of methamphetamine and its abuse has been spreading
eastward over the past decade. The number of meth labs seized
increased 25% between 2001 and 2004. The report also points out in
detail, state-by-state, the use of the drug from 12-year-olds on up
to adults.
This class of drugs are easily manufactured with readily
accessible over-the-counter medications and substances. For a few
dollars these chemicals can be procured and created in homes,
offices, schools--anywhere one can secret them. Not only are they
easy to produce, but the procedures for manufacture can be found in
any of numerous venues, primarily websites that detail their deadly
production. Almost every day the safety of citizens is compromised
by these illegal laboratories as they often explode, injuring and
killing not only the manufacturers but innocent civilians unaware of
their existence. Rescue squads and hospitals not only have to deal
with treating the harmful and deadly effects of these chemicals on
the users but also the devastating effects of explosions and fires
and deadly fumes. (http://www.cops.usdoj.gov/)
Add to this the byproduct of toxic chemical wastes and it is
obvious that growing meth use and production is not only a hazard to
the users but also to the manufacturers, or 'cooks,' as they are
called. In addition, law enforcement, rescue, and hazardous waste
responder personnel are at risk when seizing these labs.
These drugs, sold cheaply in alarming quantities, offer the user
a powerful and equally addictive high. The downside is an
unprecedented addiction ratio compared to other similar substances.
In a recent story, reporter Keith Elkins focuses on the ease these
substances are acquired and their horrid after-effects. (http://keyetv.com/local/local_story_285214922.html)
The U.S. (as well as other countries), families, and communities
that are suffering under the yoke of these chemicals are valiantly
trying to confront and handle the growing terror. According to
data presented to Congress, the DEA has been making remarkable
headway in this battle. (www.usdoj.gov/dea/pubs/cngrtest/ct040606.html)
On April 6, 2006, the Administrator for the Drug Enforcement
Agency, the Honorable Karen P. Tandy, testified before the United
States House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations
Subcommittee on Science, the Departments of State, Justice, and
Commerce, and Related Agencies. According to Ms. Tandy, the DEA has
done remarkably well in battling the menace of methamphetamine on
several fronts. They spent $176 million in fiscal year 2005 to
battle meth and $18.8 million to administer 8,897 clandestine
laboratory cleanups.
We must also note the DEA's international alliances and efforts.
Canada, Hong Kong, and Mexico are working with the DEA to handle
shipments of chemicals that could be used to manufacture
methamphetamines. Additionally in 2005, according to Tandy's data,
105 Mexican officials were trained to handle chemical control and
clandestine laboratories. Targeting netted a bust in March 2006 of
200 pounds of methamphetamine. (www.ojp.usdoj.gov/bjs/pub/press/dudsfp04pr.htm)
On October 11, 2006, the Department of Justice's Bureau of
Justice Statistics put out a release entitled "Methamphetamine Use
Increasing Among State And Federal Prisoners". Startling data was
gathered that states that since 1997 'prior' meth use among state
and federal prisoners has increased. The Bureau states that the 7
percent increase of offenders using the drug one month prior to
their arrest jumped to 11 percent in 2004. Meth use during an
offense rose from 4 percent to 6 percent during the same period. The
data was collected via the BJS "Survey of Inmates in State and
Federal Correctional Facilities," done periodically since the
1970's, and in 2004 involved the use of confidential personal
interviews with a national representation of approximately 14,500
state and 3,700 federal prisoners.
The study also states that of women inmates, 17 percent of state
and 15 percent of federal inmates had a higher likelihood of having
used meth in the month prior to their offense.
Drug rehab programs are busting at the seams with victims who
have fallen prey to methamphetamine. Our drug rehabilitation and
education programs are at the forefront of this battle. Our global
staff stand shoulder-to-shoulder with governments, parents, and law
enforcement to bring about a worldwide change to rid humanity of the
devastating effects of substance abuse. The drug-free approach is
heralded throughout the world for its humane and effective delivery.
We work tirelessly to bring humanity out of the trap of alcohol and
other drug abuse.
For more information regarding our program and its drug rehab
facilities, call
800-893-7060
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