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What is Methamphetamine?

• it's an illegal drug that stimulates the central nervous system.

• commonly referred to as meth, speed, crank, ice and crystal.

• can be smoked or injected with an initial “rush” or feeling of euphoria.

• increases metabolism with the user experiencing an increased sense of alertness, paranoia and aggression.

• it is a highly addictive substance with many first time users becoming addicted.

• the drug is made quickly and easily in clandestine laboratories with inexpensive, easily obtainable ingredients.

• it is very difficult to rehabilitate addicts.

• at the end of a binge phase, the abuser experiences profound feelings of emptiness and dysphoria.

• when “tweaking”, the abuser can show outward signs of abuse including putrid body and breath odor, rotten teeth, rapid weight loss and loss of hair.

• a meth user may get “meth mites” which are sores on the skin caused by the high toxicity of meth.

• may become paranoid and or violent.

• after binging, the abuser “crashes” and can sleep for 1-3 days in a deep, lifeless sleep.

• the abuser will become lethargic and have no energy.

• cravings for meth become evident along with feelings of desperation and suicide.

• rehab rate is low - 90% of those in treatment return to the drug.

• Ephedrine is a precursor to meth.

• is known as the Biker Drug.

• there are approximately 48 known methamphetamine recipes. Depending on the recipe used by the cooker will depend on what the finished product looks like.

• Meth may be found in: 1) Rock form, 2) Ice/crystal, 3) Powder.

rock

Major cities within Saskatchewan and Alberta have discovered evidence of Meth labs. Intelligence has been received that Meth use is on the rise in Moose Jaw.

RECOGNIZING A METH LAB

Because of the varied types of Meth labs, an explanation of exactly what to look for could consume volumes of pages. The easiest way for someone to tell if what they have observed is an illicit drug lab is to look for the following indicators:

• the mixing of unusual chemicals in a house, garage or shed, apartment, and even a vehicle;

• the possession of chemical glassware;

• 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 amount of clear glass containers being brought into the home;

• possession of unusual chemicals in large quantities;

• unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, Ether, Ammonia, Acetone or other chemicals).

METH LAB DANGERS

The dangerous chemicals and hazardous waste pose a significant threat to citizens, first responders, EMS workers, firemen, law enforcement officers and those responsible for the cleanup. However, the greatest risk surrounding these labs is the dangerous nature of the persons making and using this illegal drug. First responders and police risk injury from inhalation and/or contact with hazardous materials, fire, and explosion.