Methamphetamine Arrests

400 people have been arrested across the nation in a massive anti-methamphetamine operation called “Operation Wildfire.”^[1] More than 200 pounds of the drug were seized, and 56 laboratories shut down, in 200 cities across the country.^[2] In addition to the 400 people arrested, authorities took custody of thirty children.^[3]

Methamphetamine possession and trafficking is considered the most dangerous drug crime in the country.^[4] It comes in rocklike chunks or as crystallized powder, and it can be snorted, smoked, injected, or taken orally.^[5] It is highly addictive and relatively easy to make.^[6] Furthermore, an estimated 12 million people have tried methamphetamine, and while more people use marijuana, Attorney General Alberto Gonzales says that methamphetamine use is more dangerous.^[7]

To combat the spread of methamphetamine use to minors, the DEA and the DOJ launched a new teen-oriented website called “Just Think Twice.”^[8] The site offers graphic before-and-after pictures of drug users, pictures of rotting teeth, and other information about drug abuse. Earlier this month, a federal treatment program was launched along with a corresponding website, MethResources.gov.^[9]

Methamphetamine use has become such a priority that the FBI has told us that all they do is “M & M”; Meth and Mortgage fraud.

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[1] 400 Arrested Across Nation In Methamphetamine Sweep, N.Y. Times, Aug. 31, 2005, at A14, available here.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] Id.
[6] Id.
[7] Id.
[8] Dan Eggen, 400 Arrested in U.S. Methamphetamine Raids, Wash. Post, Aug. 31, 2005, at A2, available here.
[9] Id.