METHAMEPHETAMINE

Drug Task Force Sees an Increase in Meth Cases

The Drug Task Force has seen a 50% increase in methamphetamine related cases in 2004. Methamphetamine related cases include the possession of methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, the illegal manufacture of methamphetamine and the illegal asseembly of chemicals used to manufacture methamphetamine.

Approximatley 18% of all Drug Task Force arrests in 2004 were for methamphetamine related crimes. The Clandestine Laboratory Response Team has processed 9 methamphetamine laboratories in 2004. Methamphetamine manufacturing continues to be a problem for law enforcement in Warren County, the City of Wilmington and all of southwest Ohio.The southwestern Ohio area continues to lead the state with the number of methamphetamine laboratory seizures.

Drug Task Force investigators in 2004, seized 11 pounds of methamphetamine from a drug trafficking organization operating a "stash house" in the Harlan Township, Warren County area. A "stash house" is commonly used by upper level drug traffickers as a location to store large amounts of drugs and U.S. currency. This particular organization was responsible for distributing large amounts of drugs into Warren County, Clinton County and the entire southwestern Ohio area.