Meth Use Rising
TRI-CITIES -- Action News has learned methamphetamine use is making a comeback. In fact, as KEPR Action News uncovered, it's the biggest drug problem in the Tri-Cities even if fewer people are cooking it.
Cough syrup, cold medicine, all pulled from the shelves to try to stop meth labs.
Local police say it's working, since meth labs have almost disappeared, but meth hasn't.
In other words, people aren't cooking here, but they are using.
"Unfortunately we are still seeing a rise in the use of meth because we think a lot of the meth is being transported from down south," Capt. Scott Child with the Metro Drug Task Force said.
KEPR Action News uncovered local law enforcement is confiscating more meth and it continues to be their biggest drug problem.
So far this year, the Metro Drug Task Force has gotten seized nearly 4,800 grams of meth.
That's up 20% from last year and the year isn't over.
Back in 2008, police confiscated more than 19,000 grams, but police say the number is big because of a seizure with the feds.
Without it the trends show a consistent increase each year.
"People want it, and if people want it, it's being manufactured," Capt. Scott Child said.
Basically it is supply and demand.
The more people ask for it the more it gets brought in and it's easy to get.
Meth crime doesn't stop at illegal buying and selling.
"People get so hopelessly addicted to it and it completely takes over their life. They can't work, they completely leave their families. They do whatever it takes to get more meth. That's why it's such a big public concern," Capt. Scott Child said.
Plus, meth doesn't discriminate.
Police say users are from all different backgrounds are lured in by the boost of energy.
In fact the drug Metro task force says they're seeing a lot of 30-somethings using it because of that boost, boosting demand in the process.
Police say they target large suppliers to get as much meth off the street as possible, but if people continue to use, it will keep coming back.
Cough syrup, cold medicine, all pulled from the shelves to try to stop meth labs.
Local police say it's working, since meth labs have almost disappeared, but meth hasn't.
In other words, people aren't cooking here, but they are using.
"Unfortunately we are still seeing a rise in the use of meth because we think a lot of the meth is being transported from down south," Capt. Scott Child with the Metro Drug Task Force said.
KEPR Action News uncovered local law enforcement is confiscating more meth and it continues to be their biggest drug problem.
So far this year, the Metro Drug Task Force has gotten seized nearly 4,800 grams of meth.
That's up 20% from last year and the year isn't over.
Back in 2008, police confiscated more than 19,000 grams, but police say the number is big because of a seizure with the feds.
Without it the trends show a consistent increase each year.
"People want it, and if people want it, it's being manufactured," Capt. Scott Child said.
Basically it is supply and demand.
The more people ask for it the more it gets brought in and it's easy to get.
Meth crime doesn't stop at illegal buying and selling.
"People get so hopelessly addicted to it and it completely takes over their life. They can't work, they completely leave their families. They do whatever it takes to get more meth. That's why it's such a big public concern," Capt. Scott Child said.
Plus, meth doesn't discriminate.
Police say users are from all different backgrounds are lured in by the boost of energy.
In fact the drug Metro task force says they're seeing a lot of 30-somethings using it because of that boost, boosting demand in the process.
Police say they target large suppliers to get as much meth off the street as possible, but if people continue to use, it will keep coming back.
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