 8/16/2005 We at the APD wish to share with the public our concerns pertaining to a particular drug that has been steadily on the increase in Central Nebraska. This particular drug that we are referring to is Methamphetamine. Although any illegal drug should be considered dangerous, Methamphetamine is fast becoming or has achieved the title of the drug of choice.
Methamphetamine is a powerful central nervous system stimulant. A synthetic drug, methamphetamine has a high potential for abuse and dependence. It is illegally produced and is sold in pill form, capsule, powder and chunks. Some of the street names this drug are meth, crank, speed, zip, tweak.
This particular drug can be taken orally, snorted, smoked and injected with a syringe. The effects of this drug may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hrs.
Some of the short term effects are:
increased alertness
sense of well being
paranoia
intense high
hallucinations
aggressive behavior
increased heart rate
convulsions
extreme rise in body temp (as high as 108 degrees which can cause brain damage and death)
uncontrollable movements (twitching, jerking, etc)
violent behavior
insomnia
birth defects
Some of the long term effects:
fatal kidney and lung disorders
possible brain damage
depression
hallucinations
disorganized lifestyle
permanent psychological problems
violent and aggressive behavior
weight loss
insomnia
behavior resembling paranoid schizophrenia
malnutrition
poor coping abilities
liver damage
stroke
death
Today, most methamphetamine is distributed and produced in clandestine or hidden laboratories. Meth can be easily produced or cooked using ordinary, though toxic, household chemicals in combination with ephedrine or pseudoephedrine found in common asthma and cold remedies sold over the counter. Meth cooks often use drain cleaner, battery acid, lye , lantern fuel, antifreeze, hydrochloric acid, red phosphorous, ammonia, ether and several other dangerous chemicals to make the drug.
The fumes and chemical waist products from these labs are extremely dangerous. Labs producing this drug have been known to blow up. Persons operating labs often dump the waist products from these labs on the ground or in nearby streams and lakes. These toxic waists can contaminate drinking water and the vapors and seep into nearby homes affecting nearby residents.
Here are clues that would indicate the presence of a meth lab:
Strong smell that might resemble urine or unusual chemical smell like ether, ammonia or acetone
little or no traffic during the day, but lots of traffic at extremely late hours
extra efforts made to cover windows or reinforce doors
residence never putting their trash out
lab materials surrounding the property (lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, clear glass jugs, and duct tape)
laboratory glassware being carried into the residence
inhabitants smoking outside due to the fumes
The effects of this drug on the community can be devastating. communities experiencing problems with wide spread usage by its citizens can expect to see the following taking place in their town: car crashes, crimes such as thefts, burglaries, robberies, assaults and child abuse, hazardous waste, broken families.
Anyone suspecting drug activity taking place in his or her neighborhoods are encouraged to call the Aurora Police. Here are some signs to look for in your neighborhood.
frequent vehicle and foot traffic into homes during the evening hours.
Persons making short stops at these homes
Persons living at the home going to the curb or driveway, greeting the occupants of the vehicles who frequently stop in front of the home.
Exchanging of money for small packages between persons. packages like small plastic baggy or tin foil packs.
Persons living in the area who keep to themselves and avoid any contact with other neighbors
Residents erecting high fences, covering windows, keeping large vicious dogs on their property.
Here's what you can do if you suspect drug activity in your neighborhood. Be the eyes and ears for the police dept. and report this activity. Not making it obvious, record license plate numbers and times when vehicles show up at t suspected homes. You can pass along this information anonymously to our office. Any information you provide will be confidential and will be provided to the drug investigators of the NE state Patrol. Our success in preventing a combating criminal drug activity depends on the cooperation and the help of our citizens.
We can be reached at: 402-694-5815 or apd@hamilton.net
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