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Local retailers are even smarter nowadays. Chisago County Public Health and the Chisago County Sheriffís Department distributed posters to local retailers educating them on illegal methamphetamine manufacturing.
Whatís that you say? No we didnít teach them how to manufacture the illegal drug methamphetamine, also known as meth. We asked them to be watchful of purchases made in their stores of items commonly used to manufacture meth such as cold medicine, acetone, salt, batteries, drain cleaner and to call local law enforcement to report any suspicious purchases. Posters were distributed to local gas stations and convenience stores, auto parts stores, grocery stores, pharmacies and hardware stores.
Methamphetamine is a man-made amphetamine, produced and sold illegally in the form of pills, powder, or chunks. Meth, like cocaine and other amphetamines, has stimulating affects on the central nervous system like excitability, rapid heartbeat, insomnia; similar to how adrenaline affects the body.
Meth labs have been discovered in hotel and motel rooms, restaurants, barns, private homes and apartments, storage facilities, fields, vacant buildings and (moving or stationary) vehicles.
Methamphetamine is made from common, readily-available materials, using one of many different chemical processes. Various meth recipes include the use of volatile organic compounds, explosives, acids, bases, metals, solvents, and salts. Meth manufacturing creates the potential for explosions, chemical fires, and the release of toxic gases. The processes also result in sludge and liquid wastes with the potential to contaminate a structure and its contents, the air, and the groundwater or soil where they are deposited. Five to seven pounds of chemical waste is produced for each pound of meth manufactured.
An individual who believes he or she has discovered or even suspects an illegal drug lab site in their neighborhood should immediately notify local law enforcement (dial 911) and should not enter the area of the suspected lab. Anyone who inadvertently enters a lab should back out immediately without disturbing the cooking process, chemicals or equipment.
Clues which may indicate illegal production or sales of drugs including the following:
ï access denied to landlords, neighbors, and other visitors
ï purchases and payments made in cash
ï covering or blacking-out of windows
ï unusual traffic and activities, such as excessive night traffic or purchases taking place
ï burn pits, stained soil or dead vegetation indicating dumping of chemicals or waste
ï large amounts of waste in trash, pits or piles
Apartments or buildings where illegal meth manufacturing is taking place have unusual odors of chemicals including sweet, bitter, ammonia, ether, vinegar or solvent smells.
To report a suspected illegal drug operation, contact Chisago County Sheriffís department at (non-emergency) (651) 257-4100 or call 911. Reports are confidential and may be made anonymously.
Janice Maine
Health Educator
Chisago County Public Health Department

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