HIGHWAY PATROL GIVES OUT METH POSTERS

The Missouri State Highway Patrol recently began distributing posters to local retail stores in an attempt to alert employees to those items used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The distribution of the "meth posters" will help retail employees identify individuals who frequently attempt to purchase large quantities of the precursors for methamphetamine. The retailer can then report this to law enforcement, thus helping them reduce the availability of the illegal drug in our communities.

The increase of methamphetamine use in Missouri is a rapidly growing concern for law enforcement officials, the citizens of our state, and others across this country. The drug, which is classified as a stimulant, is colorless and odorless. It's use has been steadily rising in Missouri and throughout the nation. Methamphetamine, known on the street as meth, crank, speed, ice, or crystal, is one of the most addictive drugs. It can be smoked, snorted, swallowed, or injected. Due to the unique problems posed by methamphetamine, the retailers alert observations will assist law enforcement efforts in controlling production.

The ingredients required for the manufacture of methamphetamine can be easily obtained at any pharmacy or local hardware store. Meth normally contains ephedrine or pseudoephedrine found in over -the-counter asthma medications. Other ingredients used in production include: lye, rat killer, battery parts, Drano, and various other dangerous chemicals. If you have reason to believe there is a clandestine methamphetamine laboratory in your area, do not investigate; these laboratories can be very hazardous. Signs of a possible laboratory include a strong smell of ammonia or ether, an unusually large amount of traffic at a location, and extraordinary means of ventilation for a location (such as air conditioning units and window fans being used even in cool weather).

As was mentioned earlier, methamphetamine is highly addictive. Signs of the addiction may vary, but one might notice sudden bursts of energy followed by periods of deep depression, anxiety, paranoia, and exhaustion. Also, rapid weight loss, pale skin, and poor personal hygiene can also be symptoms of using this drug.

Methamphetamine use in our society is not only a law enforcement issue. With the assistance of retailers and alert citizens, prevention and early intervention efforts will be strengthened. To accomplish this the Patrol is:

1 . Keeping the public and policy makers informed.

2. Promoting an increased understanding of risk factors that can lead to meth use.

3. Reducing access to methamphetamine through policies, sanctions, and enforcement.

4. Encouraging school districts to develop and enforce policies.

5. Expanding the capacity for intervention in community settings.

6. Learning more about intervention models and developing implementation teams.

7. Developing funding strategies to support intervention programs.

Please contact your local Highway Patrol Troop Headquarters, police, or sheriff s office or local off-ice of the Drug manufacturing. The Patrol's meth hotline number is 1-888-823-METH (6384)