Meth Abuse

What is "Meth"

Methamphetamines are synthetic amphetamines or stimulants that are produced and sold illegally in pill form, capsules, powder, and chunks. Two such Methamphetamines are crank and ice. Crank refers to any form of methamphetamine. Ice is a crystallized smokeable chunk form of methamphetarnine that produces a more intense reaction than cocaine or speed. Ice has an appearance that is clear and crystal-like, and resembles frozen ice water. Methamphetamines stimulate the central nervous system, and the effects may last anywhere from 8 to 24 hours. Crank and ice are extremely addictive and produce a severe craving for the drug.

How do I know if I have a problem?

Most of us don't have to think twice about this question. We know! Our whole life and thinking was centered in drugs in one form or another-the getting and using or finding the ways and means to get more! We lived to use and use to live. Very simply, an addict is a person whose life is controlled by drugs. We are people in the grip of a continuing and progressive illness whose ends are always the same: jails, institutions and death.

If you suspect a problem with methamphetamines and/or other drug use, please contact the National Drug Information Treatment and Referral Hotline at (800) 662-HELP(4357). They can supply you with: printed materials

treatment services in your state
referrals for treatment
alcohol treatment services
adolescent and family services in your state

Meth Labs

Attention: Self Storage and Mini Storage Operators and Managers!

During the course of numerous clandestine laboratory investigations throughout Utah, several clandestine laboratories, some boxed, some operating, have been seized at self storage and mini storage facilities. It is common knowledge in law enforcement circles, that persons involved in the illegal manufacture of controlled substances will use storage and mini storage facilities to store the hazardous chemicals, laboratory glassware and apparatus used in their illegal activity. On some occasions the individuals will actually "cook" inside the storage facility. These individuals do this to avoid detection by law enforcement and to keep these hazardous chemicals and the "cooking" process away from their residence. The following are a few guidelines to help identify potential problems. Please remember that these are only guidelines and may vary with individuals:

Age Group - Generally 25 to 35 years old, but persons in their 60's have been involved.
There is no specific ethnic group, subjects from all the various ethnic groups have been involved in this type of activity. Currently, however, a large influx of Mexican National persons have become involved in the drug business and extensively use storage locker facilities.
May look like "biker type" individuals with dirty, longish hair, and various tattoos.
Vehicles utilized are usually older model pickup trucks, vans and rental/moving vans.
Subjects may rent two or more storage lockers at one time.
Will probably pay in cash and may pay several months in advance.
May want 24 hours access to the locker(s).
Makes many unusual and seemingly unnecessary trips to and from the storage locker(s).
Often they will bring other persons to the locker to help them move large chemical containers and to act as a "look out" while chemical containers and contraband is loaded into and out of their vehicles.
They usually keep items covered up in their vehicle when coming and going from the facility
They may seem unusually nervous or paranoid.
They may smell of chemicals odors.
Look for placards on boxes and drums, i.e. corrosive, flammable, poison placards
Chemical odors may be coming from the storage locker itself.
The items stored in the locker will not look like normal household items and persons may close the storage locker door when they are approached by the facility personnel.
Look for laboratory glassware.

We would appreciate any help you can provide in this area. We are facing a major problem in Utah which is of concern to all of us. If you have any questions or information regarding a person fitting the profile, please call Midvale Police Department at (801) 256-2500 or fill in the form below and submit the information to Midvale Police. The information below will be forwarded to our Narcotics division. Please take no action on your own, except to contact the police.

Form to submit information on METH CRIMES, or ANY NARCOTIC CRIMES.

801-256-2500