Methamphetamine: From homemade to Mexican superlabs
Justice Matters
After the dismantling of local meth manufacturing by imprisoning meth cooks and their cold-medicine buyers, Anderson County enjoyed a huge drop in home burglaries, thefts of all kinds and meth labs.
It was difficult for meth addicts to supply their habit locally, so they and their crimes went elsewhere.
However, we knew that where there is demand from addicts, eventually they would find a new supply.
We have now seen the appearance of Mexican superlab-made crystal methamphetamine or “ice.”
This form of meth is imported from Mexico in a manner similar to other drugs.
Typically, Hispanic gangs or drug trafficking organizations import the ice to Atlanta or Dalton, Georgia.
At that point, the ice is often purchased by an Anderson County resident and then transported from Georgia for local distribution.
Crystal meth or ice looks different from homemade meth. It is a clear, white or lighter gray colored powder different from the homemade variety. It is cheaper to acquire than some other street drugs.
Its lower price has made meth a more-attractive choice for some addicts.
So, we have entered the next stage of our methamphetamine battle. As we go forward, law enforcement is remaining alert for the presence of new gangs.
We do not want the importing of crystal meth to provide a vehicle for gangs to establish a presence in Anderson County.
While the Mexican superlab meth can’t be stopped by limiting the supply of pseudoephedrine at local pharmacies, it has a different weakness. Imported meth must be imported.
That means it is subject to being intercepted at the international border or on the highways where it is being transported.
Dave Clark is the district attorney general of the 7th District of Tennessee – serving Anderson County.