METH

The use and distribution of methamphetamine (meth) continue to rise,
both nationwide, as well as locally.

Brush Police Chief Mark Thomas reports that while efforts are being
made by authorities to thwart the increase, meth is a "major problem"
and "extremely prevalent all throughout Morgan County."

In 2003, the chief stated, Morgan County recorded 54 cases involving
drugs, including meth. That number increased by 19 in 2004, with
authorities reporting 73 drug cases. "Most of what we do is meth,"
Chief Thomas stated.

Additional information shows local law enforcement personnel
exhibiting almost 283 man-hours towards such drug cases in 2004. And
from January through October of this year, 215 hours were recorded.

"We work with the Morgan Police Department and Morgan County Sheriff's
Department who all belong to the Eastern Colorado Drug Plains Task
Force," he explained. The task force is based in Yuma County.

A good portion of arrests have been made through drug buys, he
continued, with the sheriff's office running into situations with
mobile meth labs.

Although the range of age among users and dealers is wide, local
police have been concentrating on the younger generations with SRO
Leroy Brown making a presentation regarding meth to the health class
at Brush High School.

K-9 Officer Sgt. Kenneth Mooney and his companion travel wherever in
Northeastern Colorado to provide their services, as well as conduct
presentations. Chief Thomas remarked the duo have gone to the prison,
Yuma, Wray and Burlington.

The department is also continuing their research into offering and
reviving a drug resistance education program, as the D.A.R.E. program
was dropped a couple of years ago due to costs. "D.A.R.E. is an
expensive program because you have to buy all of the materials," the
chief explained. "We are looking for a new program that would work
better."

Area residents are urged to call the police department if drug
activity is suspected in their neighborhood. Comments can also be
e-mailed to ksturch@brushcolo.com or detectives@brushcolo.com

A couple signs of meth, whether it be in distribution or making of the
product, include an odor, along with a lot of traffic that does not
stay but a short amount of time. For those who use the drug,
appearance is a key factor. "Over time, it takes its toll," Chief
Thomas stated.

Meth, which affects the central nervous system, is also known as
speed, chalk, and when in smoked form, is referred to as ice, crystal,
crank and glass. All of the items needed to make the drug are
relatively inexpensive and are available over-the-counter.

When dissolved in water or alcohol, the white, odorless and
bitter-tasting crystalline powder causes increased activity, can
decrease the appetite, as well as give a general sense of well-being.
The effects, which an also increase wakefulness, can last from six to
eight hours.

Meth, which is classified as a Schedule II stimulate because of its
high potential for abuse, can also be smoked, snorted, or injected.

Chronic abusers, according to the Internet, can exhibit violent
behavior and anxiety, suffer from confusion and insomnia, all of which
can lead to psychotic behavior. Other long-term effects can include
malnutrition, liver damage, stroke, weight loss, fatal kidney and lung
disorders, as well as lowered resistance to illness.

Once a dependent decides to stop using meth, the symptoms can include
depression, anxiety, fatigue, paranoia, aggression, along with an
intense craving for the drug.

Researchers have reported that as much as 50 percent of the
dopamine-producing cells in the brain can be damaged after prolonged
exposure to relatively low levels of meth. It has also been found that
serotonin-containing nerve cells may be damaged even more extensively.