Methamphetamine labs are on the rise again in Indiana, according to this article from the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette. 2008 saw the 2nd highest total annual amount of meth lab busts in the state.
Why the Increase? Despite new laws regarding pseudoephedrine and the increased farmer security on anhydrous ammonia, meth labs grew. This is due, they say, to new production methods that don’t require the use of ammonia and are simpler than the former science lab looking methods.
What the police call “one pot” or “shake and bake” cooking is much simpler than the old recipes and produces smaller quantities. This does not mean labs are cooking less. On the contrary, they cook more to make up for the smaller batches.
With this new method and subsequent production increases, state police have exhausted their overtime funds in combating the problem. Officers are now being compensated with comp time instead and no doubt feeling the effects of long hours with little payoff. [Read more…]