NCJ Number
203665
Date Published
July 2002
Length
16 pages
Annotation
This document discusses a statewide strategy in Michigan aimed at attacking methamphetamine use and production.
Abstract
The methamphetamine culture, including both use and manufacture of methamphetamine, has not yet reached epidemic proportions in this State. To avoid a crisis, Michigan is working on increasing collaboration and planing among several stakeholder groups. Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful, addictive stimulant that is manufactured from common household chemicals in clandestine laboratories throughout the United States. Meth manufacturing is dangerous and poses environmental risks. In 1999, more than a million Americans used meth in just 1 year, more than used crack, and almost three times as many as used heroin. There are definite signs of a rapidly growing meth problem in Michigan. Based on the 102 labs seized already in 2002, this year’s lab seizures are projected to be more than 200 percent higher than last year. Meth is the number one drug problem in southwest Michigan. The Detroit and Port Huron borders with Canada serve as the primary transshipment point for the illegal importation of pseudoephedrine for superlab meth manufacturers across the Nation. State and local authorities have taken the following steps to stop the use and manufacture of meth in Michigan: training official personnel, providing information and help to communities, beefing up law enforcement efforts, multi-jurisdictional drug task forces, and reaching out to all affected individuals. The goals are to leverage resources through a multi-disciplinary approach; initiate and maintain problem-solving and networking relationships with other jurisdictions to learn best practices and strategies; and to strengthen partnerships among everyone involved to increase the capacity to fight meth on all fronts. In January 2001, the Michigan State Police established a toll-free Meth Tip Line, which is available to the public to report methamphetamine activities. 1 figure