Snap 04-10-07

Methamphetamine Awareness and Prevention Project of South Dakota

METH Awareness And Prevention Project of South Dakota

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April 10, 2007

In California A ringleader in a multimillion-dollar Meth operation who supplied local dealers with hundreds of pounds of Meth smuggled from Mexico was arrested at his home, which he shared with his girlfriend and her children. Police first uncovered the sophisticated and far-reaching operation last summer. The bust capped a nine-month multi-jurisdictional investigation and led to more than a dozen arrests and the seizure of more than 220 pounds of Meth. Authorities estimate the seized drugs are worth $7.9 million dollars. Officials also seized hundreds of thousands of dollars bound for drug manufacturers in Mexico. They are still searching out several other suspects. Close to a dozen vehicles were impounded and properties purchased with drug money could be taken away from the owners. Police identified one suspect, a 32-year-old man, as the highest-ranking member of the drug ring on the U.S. side of the border. In one vehicle, police found $88,000 vacuum-sealed and packed into a gas tank. In another, they found $16,000 cash hidden in the hollowed-out air bag. The numerous suspects are allegedly involved in gangs, from a variety of affiliations including several rival factions.

In South Carolina Police arrested four people in a drug raid that turned up a supply of Meth and a home Meth lab. Officers discovered the operation when they followed up on complaints of drug activity in the area. Inside the apartment, they found Meth and cocaine along with a small-scale portable Meth lab. The three men, 24-, 22- and 20-years-old, and the 26-year-old woman are all charged with Meth manufacturing. Two of them are also charged with possession of cocaine.

In New Mexico Police arrested a 34-year-old man who they believe may have intended to harm his children. He was picked up after his wife told police that he was on a Meth rampage and had taken their two- and 12-year-old children. He allegedly punched a police officer who tried to stop him. When officers searched his car, they found knives and archery equipment. The suspect told police that he had been instructed by God to take his children into the mountains to get them away from evil.

In Tennessee Deputies recognized the driver of a car as someone they knew had his license suspended and pulled him over, sparking an investigation into Meth. When the officers searched the car they found Meth-making materials and some Meth product under back seat and under the driver’s two-year-old son’s car seat. A search of a trailer home turned up more Meth-manufacturing items. The 20-year-old driver, and his passengers – a 20-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman – were arrested on a variety of drug and child endangerment charges. The youngster was released to his grandmother’s custody.

In Georgia Police conducting a road safety check discovered a rolling Meth lab in a car. Officers were looking for license and seat belt violators, but became suspicious when they noticed a discrepancy on a car’s license plate - the numbers on the decal didn’t match the numbers on the tag. When they inspected the car, they saw several open containers of alcohol and began questioning the driver. The 50-year-old man gave officers permission to search the car, and they found digital scales and a quantity of suspected Meth. When they opened the trunk they discovered the lab. The suspect is charged with Meth manufacturing, trafficking and possession with intent to distribute - all felonies – plus misdemeanor charges of open container and expired registration.

In Oregon A couple lost custody of two young children due to unsanitary living conditions and Meth use. The Deputy Prosecutor said photos of the family home would have qualified for the cover of “Meth Home and Garden Magazine.” When the county sheriff and a deputy went to a trailer home to evict the couple for not paying the rent, they were greeting by the reek of cat urine and rotten food. The officers knew children lived in the home so they asked for and received permission to search. They found piles of cat feces on the floor, a dead goldfish floating in a tank of murky water, black mold growing on many of the household surfaces and in dozens of empty food cans that littered the kitchen. Officers saw a basket of sex toys next to the children’s reading material in the living room; pornography was discovered inside the dishwasher and hanging out of the woman’s purse, which also contained Meth. The 29-year-old man and 26-year-old woman pleaded guilty to criminal mistreatment and drug possession. They were placed on 24 months of supervised probation to successfully complete a substance abuse treatment program. In addition, they must undergo a psychological evaluation and obtain any counseling that is recommended. They also have to provide a safe and stable living environment, which includes employment and keeping pornographic material away from minors. The children are now living with a relative.

In Indiana When sheriff's deputies went to a home to serve a Meth-related warrant on a 57-year-old man, they found evidence for more charges. They saw the original suspect and another man inside with drug paraphernalia. They requested and got a full search warrant. When they went back to the home, they found a ‘good sized’ lab in the garage, and five or six grams of finished Meth.

In Kentucky Drug Task Force agents uncovered a Meth lab when they investigated a tip about an illegal anhydrous ammonia tank. Officers found several bags and a plastic tote, all containing items to make Meth. There are no suspects.

In Oregon A 26-year-old man was arrested after police found Meth crystals in his car. He was first pulled over for a traffic violation, but the state police trooper spotted a plastic bag in the driver’s door compartment. The bag later tested positive for Meth.

In Arizona A 42-year-old man was sentenced to 15 years in prison after pleading guilty to Meth-related crimes, including possession with intent to distribute 92-grams of Meth. In 2005, police had stopped the defendant for a traffic violation. He was driving with a suspended license, and police found 63 grams of Meth in his truck. When he was out on bail, he was pulled over for driving with an expired license plate, and police found more than 92 grams of Meth and a 9mm pistol in his truck.