NCJ Number
217529
Date Published
March 2006
Length
50 pages
Annotation
This report outlines the current methamphetamine threat in Washington State, identifies the crimes most often associated with methamphetamine abuse, and reviews the public impact of the drug.
Abstract
The U.S. Attorney General recently identified methamphetamine as “the most dangerous drug in America.” That sentiment holds true in the State of Washington, where clandestine methamphetamine laboratories can be found across the State. However, the impact of law enforcement, legislative, and public awareness efforts has reduced the number of methamphetamine laboratory seizures in the State. Despite these efforts, the abuse of methamphetamine is widespread throughout the State and its high availability, purity, and low cost are reasons for substantial concern. Precursor chemicals to the production of methamphetamine continue to make their way into the State both through legal transactions and through international smuggling, particularly from Canada. In addition to poor health outcomes, methamphetamine use is typically associated with other crimes, such as identity theft, property crimes, robbery, domestic violence, assault, and child abuse/neglect. Typically these crimes are either associated with an addict’s attempt to gain the drug or are associated with their mental health and behavior while experiencing the effects of the drug. Additional social impacts of methamphetamine production and abuse are reviewed and include the production of chemical hazards, high clean-up costs, and the reduction in volunteer firefighters who do not want to expose themselves to the risks of methamphetamine laboratories. The devastating impact of the methamphetamine epidemic on children is particularly salient and results in a host of negative outcomes for children, including drug addiction, abuse and neglect, and hazardous living conditions. The health consequences of methamphetamine abuse are documented and include an increase in metabolism, the suppression of appetite, heart problems, hypothermia, and kidney failure. The economic and workplace consequences of methamphetamine abuse are discussed followed by a review of the legislative and law enforcement efforts to eradicate the problem. Exhibits