Recently the LMPD Brass warned officers via e-mail to be extra careful when responding to runs where methamphetamine might possibly be in the process of being manufactured. They reminded Officers to be aware and if they see it to back out and call for assistance.
Methamphetamine is a psycho-stimulant, a potent central nervous system stimulant which affects neuro-chemical mechanisms responsible for regulating heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, appetite, attention, mood and responses associated with alertness or alarm conditions Methamphetamine enters the brain and triggers a cascading release of chemicals within the brain and since it stimulates the reward pathways, causing euphoria and excitement, it is prone to abuse and addiction. Users may become obsessed or perform repetitive tasks such as cleaning, hand-washing, or assembling and disassembling objects, picking at their skin and involuntary twitching. Withdrawal is characterized by excessive sleeping, eating, and depression-like symptoms, often accompanied by anxiety and drug-craving. Users of methamphetamine sometimes take sedatives as a means of easing their "come down".
Common nicknames for methamphetamine include "meth", "jib", "ice", "crystal", "tina", "p", and "glass". Methamphetamine is sometimes referred to as "speed", but this term is usually used for regular amphetamine or dextroamphetamine.
Meth can trace its roots back to Japan in 1893. Crystal Meth was first created in 1919 by the Japanese.
One of the earliest uses of methamphetamine was during World War II when the German military dispensed it under the trade name Pervitin. It was widely distributed throughout the military, from elite forces to tank crews and aircraft personnel. Chocolates dosed with methamphetamine were known as Fliegerschokolade ("flyer's chocolate") when given to pilots, or Panzerschokolade ("tanker's chocolate") when given to tank crews.
It is widely believed that Adolf Hitler took direct injections of Methamphetamine from 1942 until his death. Some also believe that his Parkinson's disease, or that his Parkinson-like symptoms which developed from 1940 onwards were related to use of methamphetamine.
After World War II the Japanese had a growing meth problem that escalated into increased crime activity until it was finally banned in 1951. Japanese mores and customs help to counteract the usage of the drug.
The United States started proscribing various forms of the drug in the 60's and 70's. San Diego is reputedly the meth capital of North America. Apparently ?Staying Classy? meant more than we thought.
Like most drugs it has spread in popularity because of its availability and relative ease in manufacturing although dangerous. Did you ever wonder why you can only purchase so many packages of allergy medicines? It is because the government is trying to head off this epidemic.
Meth is in every area of our community, from the Highlands to Hillview from Forrest Hills to Fairdale. It is no longer the drug found in California trailer parks. Last week LMPD Officers busted 10 labs. Neighboring Bullitt County had equal results. I would bet my meager pay check that you can find similar figures across the commonwealth and beyond.
We have seen graphic evidence of what an exploding meth lab can do to an apartment, house or even a car. One man died today as a result of the explosion in his apartment last week. He is the second meth lab death this month.
Officers expect to run into many hazards on the job from belligerent drunks, high speed chases, bar room brawls to the occasional deadly force encounter, but this is probably the most dangerous thing we will encounter during our careers. Meth production is a deadly undertaking. Nasty things like phosphene gas are common by-products of methamphetamine production. Police officers walking into that environment can become very dead, very quick. Us beat cops can't just walk in there?we would likely become victims also.
We have to know what we see before we see it almost. We don't have respirators like the fire department. If we get exposed we can die. We have specially trained people to respond and handle the decontamination process, but for God's sake don't touch anything. The DEA says walking into a meth lab is the most dangerous job in law enforcement. You need special Haz-Mat suits and respirators.
Unfortunately a beat cop doesn't have access to these and we do not know about a lab when responding to a call. We can't walk around in space suits responding to runs. What we can do is realize that the dangers are out there and learn to recognize the tools, containers and signs be alert to the dangers involved.
Our department has instituted yearly training as part of the in service program to help Officers recognize these dangers. Pay attention. Sgt. Stan Salyards outs on a very informative presentation that can possibly save your life. Don't think it can't happen to you. Meth use is on the rise here in Louisville and you can run across a meth lab from a traffic stop to a barking dog run.
Stay Safe!