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Thursday, March 27, 2008

Editorial: Communities Must Stand Up to Meth

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    Habitual methamphetamine users are easy to spot with their rotting teeth, emaciated look and skin rashes.
    What's hard to see is the toll meth takes on a family and a community.
    That's why it's heartening to see law enforcement agencies like the Estancia Police Department and the Torrance County Sheriff's Department make meth eradication a priority in our communities.
    It may seem like a losing battle when you consider there have been at least 14 meth possession and distribution cases to make their way to Torrance County courts in the past six months. Officers talk about the ones they catch and the ones they know are still out there.
    Meth has long been the drug of choice in rural areas because of its low cost and relative ease to manufacture. Labs set up in remote areas to keep away from prying eyes and noses. Manufacturing meth is a smelly affair due to the use of numerous noxious chemicals.
    According to the Torrance County District Attorney, meth users account for many of the other cases that come through the courts, including property crime, assault and domestic violence.
    Now is the time for the communities of the East Mountains and Estancia Valley to stand up and say enough is enough. A simple anonymous phone call to your local police can start the ball rolling on an arrest. Let your local and state representatives know that meth needs to be dealt with.
    If the problem is ignored, it will never go away.