Published: October 11, 2008 03:59 pm            

Meth is still a real danger

School seminars to help parents, students identify signs of use.

Parents, would you recognize methamphetamine use or production if you saw it?

The signs can be obvious, but you may not know they are associated with meth.

Coffee filters stained red or brown.

Glassware.

Two-liter soft drink bottles with a red or white film inside and a residue at the top.

Small medical-type hoses.

Empty boxes of cold medication.

Empty brake fluid containers.

These common items are also common signs of meth production.

That’s the message of Indiana State Police Trooper Bob Burgess of the Meth Suppression Section. He was talking to a group of parents this week at the Eastern Howard Performing Arts Center in Greentown.

Even though, the number of meth labs found has decreased in recent years due to new legislation and increased awareness, the dangers of meth still exist.

“Methamphetamine is still a problem in our community,” said Burgess.

That’s why, Burgess came to Greentown for the “Community Night” for the parents of Eastern High School students from fifth grade through the eighth grade.

The event is one of a series of seminars about meth education at area schools.

The topic “Meth and its Effects on Your Child and Your Community” is designed for parents of D.A.R.E. students, past and present, to share information about the drug, its effects, and what to look for concerning signs and symptoms, Capt. Harold Vincent of the Howard County Sheriff Department said.

“We are very excited about this opportunity to include parents in such a great information sharing atmosphere about our program and these important topics,” Vincent said. “Feedback and survey return from our Eastern parents was incredibly positive.”

Vincent, who serves as the department’s D.A.R.E. director, and deputies Jordan Buckley and Steve Kline assist Burgess in the presentations.

The drug — also known as speed, chalk, ice or crank — is a white, odorless, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that easily dissolves in water or alcohol. It is made in illegal labs using ingredients found in common over-the-counter medications.

“Citizens are instrumental in helping locate meth labs,” Burgess said. “I encourage them to continue reporting anything they believe is related to the manufacturing of methamphetamine. Working together we can remove this dangerous and addictive drug from our communities.”

Vincent said there will be four more events coming up in county schools: On Monday at St. Joan of Arc & Patrick School; Oct. 21 at Howard Elementary School, Oct. 28; at Taylor Intermediate School; and Jan. 20 at Western Intermediate School.

Dates for a Northwestern School event will be announced later.

        

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