PUBLIC CAN HELP SQUASH AREA METH LABS

News stories about illegal methamphetamine labs are reported much too frequently in this area. The reason is simple: Missouri is the No. 2 state (after California) in the nation for meth labs, and Southeast Missouri has more than its fair share. So far this year, 16 meth labs have been seized by authorities in Cape Girardeau County.

Why so many meth labs? Two reasons predominate, say officials. One is the fact that meth can be produced, through a combination of fairly simply chemical processes, with materials that are readily -- and legally -- available at retail stores in virtually any community. The other reason is that meth -- also known as speed, crank, crystal and ice -- is so addictive that users learn how to make their own. That's why there are so many labs, officials say. Most produce just enough meth to be used by the makers.

That wasn't the case, however, at the lab raided recently in Cape Girardeau County. In that raid, officials seized some two pounds of meth, indicating that it was being produced for street sales.

While law enforcement agencies are aggressive in locating meth labs and shutting them down, the fact is that the public plays a growing role in efforts to control this aspect of the drug trade.

For example, most businesses in the Cape Girardeau area that sell items used in meth production already know to be on the alert for large quantities of household and farm products ordinarily purchased in small batches but known to be ingredients in meth.

But the public at large plays an important role too. Meth labs, which can be set up just about anywhere, give off telltale signs. One is odor. When officers raided the county meth lab recently, they could smell the chemicals a quarter-mile from the house. In addition, makers of meth tend to hoard their garbage for fear of detection. Not too long ago, a meth lab was found to be operating in a Cape Girardeau motel.

The public should report any suspicious activity -- and particularly any unusual odors -- to authorities. This information can lead to a quick determination as to whether meth is being produced.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. The real problem for authorities is shutting down a meth lab and cleaning up the hazardous chemicals that are left behind, often in the middle of some chemical process that makes them extremely dangerous. In addition to the danger, the cost of cleanup is huge.

Efforts to deal with the growing meth problem would get a boost in federal funding proposed by U.S. Sen. John Ashcroft of Missouri. His proposal for $16.5 million to fight meth was recently approved in the Senate as part of the nation's war on drugs.

The most cost-effective way to stem meth, however, continues to be public vigilance. Call the police if you suspect meth is being produced.