METHAMPHETAMINE

     The following list of products is commonly used in the manufacturing of methamphetamine.  When purchased alone, the items listed do not usually represent methamphetamine activity.  When they are purchased frequently, or in large quantities it could be an indication of methamphetamine manufacturing.  The main ingredient in methamphetamine is ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, commonly found in cold tablets such as Sudafed.  Chemicals included in the manufacturing process are Acetone, Alcohol (gasoline additives or rubbing), Toluene, Engine Starting Fluid, Drain Cleaner, Coffee Filters, Iodine, Salt (table or rock), Lithium Batteries, Propane Tanks (used to store anhydrous ammonia), Lye, Matches, Pyrex or Vision Cookware and Muriatic Acid.  If you work for a retailer who sales these items, and you notice someone buying a large quantity, or frequently buying combinations of the above items, do not hesitate to contact the Police Department.

     If you do not work somewhere where these items are sold, you can still assist the Police Department.  If you smell unusual, strong odors in your neighborhood similar to that of fingernail polish remover, cat urine or anhydrous ammonia, you may live near someone who is manufacturing methamphetamine.  You should also call the Police Department to report this. 

     If you think your neighbor is manufacturing methamphetamine but do not want to get involved because you think it does not affect you, consider this.  Each pound of meth produced leaves behind five or six pounds of toxic waste.  Meth cooks often pour leftover chemicals and byproduct sludge down drains in nearby plumbing, storm drains, or directly onto the ground.  Solvents and other toxic byproducts used to make meth pose long-term hazards because they can persist in soil and groundwater for years.

     There are several ways to ingest methamphetamine.  Among these are smoking, snorting, intravenous injections, or ingested orally.  The most common way of ingesting I have seen is smoking.  Some of the items you may see if someone is smoking methamphetamine are small squares of aluminum foil and empty ink pen tubes with burnt markings.  Methamphetamine is commonly sold inside a piece of foil or in a bindle baggie.  A bindle baggie is the torn off corner of a larger sandwich bag.  If you locate these items together, it is likely someone is using meth. 

     Methamphetamine can cause paranoia, decreased appetite and increased physical activity.  Other effects include irritability; extreme nervousness, insomnia, confusion, aggression and can also raise the body’s temperature.  Methamphetamine can cause accelerated heartbeat, elevated blood pressure and can cause irreversible damage to blood vessels in the brain.  Physical effects of methamphetamine include pupil dilation, respiratory disorders, dizziness, tooth grinding, impaired speech, dry or itchy skin, acne, sores, numbness and sweating.  Psychological effects of methamphetamine include anger, panic, paranoia and hallucinations.  Methamphetamine-induced paranoia can result in homicidal or suicidal thoughts.

     KCI The Anti-Meth Site provided some of the information contained herein.  For more information on       methamphetamine you can check out the following web sites, www.saferchild.org/narcotics.htm, www.kci.org, www.dea.gov and http://store.health.org.   

     If you would like to report suspected manufacturing, dealing or use of methamphetamine contact the Shelbyville Police Department at 317-392-2511 or the Shelby County Sheriff’s Department at 317-398-6661.  The Shelby County Prosecutor’s Office also provides a drug tip line.  The phone number is 317-398-CALL (2255).  You can remain anonymous.          

SPD Narcotics