methamphetamine awareness

The De Soto Police Department has taken a strong stance against those who manufacture illegal drugs within the City limits.  Officers receive special training in the detection and handling of Methamphetamines and operate in conjunction with the Jefferson County Sheriffs Office.

If you believe that a friend or neighbor is making methamphetamine, please immediately call your local Police Department or dial 911.

The information on this page is provided courtesy of the United States Department of Justice.  For more information visit their site by clicking the link below:

                           CLICK HERE

What is Methamphetamine?

Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant drug that dramatically affects the central nervous system.  It is usually illegally produced and distributed.

Meth comes in several forms, including powder, crystal, rocks, and tablets. When it comes in the crystal form it is called “crystal meth.”

What is Meth made of?

Unlike drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, and heroin, which are derived from plants, meth can be manufactured using a variety of store bought chemicals.

The most common ingredient in meth is pseudo-ephedrine or ephedrine, commonly found in cold medicine.  Through a cooking process the pseudo-ephedrine or ephedrine is chemically changed into meth.  The ingredients that are used in the process of making meth can include: ether, paint thinner, Freon®, acetone, anhydrous ammonia, iodine crystals, red phosphorus, drain cleaner, battery acid, and lithium (taken from inside batteries).

HOW DOES METH AFFECT EVERYONE ELSE?

As you can imagine, all those toxic chemicals used in the meth manufacturing process take a toll on the environment.  Every pound of meth made can generate up to five pounds of toxic waste that may seep into the soil and groundwater. 

The manufacturing process also generates toxic fumes.  These fumes can severely harm anyone exposed to them.  Meth labs also generate highly explosive gases.

Meth also has a very serious impact on children.  Many children are rescued from homes with meth labs or meth using parents.  Meth, chemicals, and syringes are all within reach of these children.  Parents high on meth neglect their children.  And the mental, physical, and emotional consequences for these Drug Endangered Children are often severe.

Millions of our tax dollars are spent each year to clean up meth labs, to care for Drug Endangered Children, and to pay for law enforcement to deal with the meth problem.