Task force agent reviews meth statistics in Missouri, Bootheel region

Lt. Tim Trowbridge

The statistics from El Paso Intelligence Center showed that Missouri had the most incidents for the ninth straight year with 1,774 incident up 19 percent from 1,487 the previous year. An "incident" includes methamphetamine busts but also any documented evidence of meth-making, according to authorities.

Trowbridge noted that in 2008 Dunklin County had approximately 16 labs, but by 2009 the number has "most likely tripled."

He added that his is due to the "Shake 'N' Bake" method being introduced in our area towards the end of 2008.

"This is still a horrible problem for law enforcement and families," Trowbridge said.

He noted that the BDTF finds materials to create methamphetamine or hears of cooks at a minimum of twice per week.

The rise in methamphetamine labs can also be attributed to the poor economy, according to Trowbridge.

"People don't have the money to spend on a small amount of meth when they can spend the same amount and get the ingredients for a lab," Trowbridge said. "We are struggling economically and so are drug dealers, who are also trying to cut corners."

He noted that if other cities pulled together, like Kennett, to restrict the sale of items containing pseudoephedrine without a prescription, then there would be a positive outcome.

"I am hoping other cities will follow suit with the new law and curve the purchases of pseudoephedrine, which is the main ingredient," Trowbridge said.

"Then it will be up to the doctors to help us out."

He added that since the City of Kennett passed the ordinance, requiring a prescription for medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine, the surrounding towns have noticed an increase in their sale of medicines containing the ingredient.

"I encourage other cities to explore the idea because it will take all of us together to solve the meth problem," Trowbridge said.