2008 Woodie Awards
Meth labs spike despite recent overall decline
Jamie Klein
Issue date: 4/3/08 Section: News
In 2008, Lincoln and Lancaster County have seen an increase in the number of methamphetamine laboratory dump sites found compared to the last five years.
In about a month, three sites have been found in southeast Lincoln, said Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner. Although there has been a increase recently, the past six years have shown a steady decline in both active meth lab sites and dump sites.
A dump site is an area where meth was created or an area where the necessary components to create meth were left.
The increase could be attributed to the release of past meth convicts from jail, Wagner said, but he also noted the majority of meth found in Nebraska isn't made locally.
"The majority of meth is imported," he said. "A lot is being imported from Mexico and other states."
The increase could also come from individuals coordinating with each other to circumvent laws that have been passed, said Jim Sydik, an investigator with Lincoln Police.
In 2005, the Nebraska Legislature passed a law that forced products that contain pseudoephedrines, a key meth ingredient, behind store counters and limited the amounts that could be purchased.
The law was a major contributor to Lincoln's decrease in meth lab dump sites, said Katie Flood, a Lincoln Police officer, in an e-mail.
"It is hard to deny the fact that methamphetamine labs have significantly decreased since the passage of LB117 in 2005," she said.
Since the law was passed, Lincoln and Lancaster County saw a sharp decrease in active meth labs and dump sites.
The decrease was also because of good enforcement efforts and educating the public, Wagner said.
In 2002, 23 sites were found in Lincoln, and 38 sites were found in Lancaster county.
Sydik doubts this year's increase will exceed the number of meth sites found in the early 2000s.
"(But) I can't say that for certain," he said.
Wagner said local residents should maintain the level of vigilance that began four years ago and should notify authorities if they see any suspicious activity.
"Meth labs have decreased, they haven't gone away," Wagner said. "We still need to look out for (them) and avoid them because of their hazardous nature."
jamieklein@dailynebraskan.com
In about a month, three sites have been found in southeast Lincoln, said Lancaster County Sheriff Terry Wagner. Although there has been a increase recently, the past six years have shown a steady decline in both active meth lab sites and dump sites.
A dump site is an area where meth was created or an area where the necessary components to create meth were left.
The increase could be attributed to the release of past meth convicts from jail, Wagner said, but he also noted the majority of meth found in Nebraska isn't made locally.
"The majority of meth is imported," he said. "A lot is being imported from Mexico and other states."
The increase could also come from individuals coordinating with each other to circumvent laws that have been passed, said Jim Sydik, an investigator with Lincoln Police.
In 2005, the Nebraska Legislature passed a law that forced products that contain pseudoephedrines, a key meth ingredient, behind store counters and limited the amounts that could be purchased.
The law was a major contributor to Lincoln's decrease in meth lab dump sites, said Katie Flood, a Lincoln Police officer, in an e-mail.
"It is hard to deny the fact that methamphetamine labs have significantly decreased since the passage of LB117 in 2005," she said.
Since the law was passed, Lincoln and Lancaster County saw a sharp decrease in active meth labs and dump sites.
The decrease was also because of good enforcement efforts and educating the public, Wagner said.
In 2002, 23 sites were found in Lincoln, and 38 sites were found in Lancaster county.
Sydik doubts this year's increase will exceed the number of meth sites found in the early 2000s.
"(But) I can't say that for certain," he said.
Wagner said local residents should maintain the level of vigilance that began four years ago and should notify authorities if they see any suspicious activity.
"Meth labs have decreased, they haven't gone away," Wagner said. "We still need to look out for (them) and avoid them because of their hazardous nature."
jamieklein@dailynebraskan.com
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