Six meth labs were seized in Pulaski County in 2013. In neighboring counties, the numbers were Jasper 5, Starke 21, Marshall 33, Fulton, 32, Cass 26 and White 8.

There were 1,808 Indiana law enforcement clandestine lab incidents in Indiana in 2013, compared to 1,726 in 2012, and 1,437 in 2011.

There were 440 children identified in clandestine lab environments in the state in 2013, compared to 372 in 2012, an 18.27 percent increase.

The website provides information from 2000 through 2013, so a historical perspective is provided. Additionally, a map has been added to illustrate the total number of meth labs reported by law enforcement in each county from 2001 through 2013. The information includes ISP lab seizures as well as lab seizure incidents from other police agencies reported to ISP.

Eight Indiana State Police personnel were initially certified to begin processing meth lab crime scenes in 1991. The Indiana State Police began organizing and planning the Methamphetamine Suppression Section (MSS) in 2005 when the first restrictions were placed on the purchase of products containing pseudoephedrine (PSE) and ephedrine, which are precursor drugs used in the manufacture of methamphetamine found in over the counter cold remedies.

Since that time, additional restrictions have been placed on the sale and purchase of PSE products. However, lab seizures have continued to rise to the point that based on information received from other states Indiana will be first in the country in clandestine lab incidents for 2013. Currently, MSS consists of nineteen sworn personnel who are tasked with the full-time responsibility to investigate, educate, and partner with other law enforcement agencies and stakeholders to assist all communities in Indiana with combating the growing epidemic of the local manufacture of methamphetamine.

Report suspected meth activity anonymously online at www.meth.in.gov or by calling the Meth Tip Line at 1-800-453-4756. 

Drug Endangered Children:

When Law Enforcement officers seize a clandestine drug lab, one of the gravest concerns is for the children living in that environment.  Specific protocols have been written to outline the procedures to handle these children that have been placed in a harmful and hazardous environment by the very adults responsible for their safety and well-being.  To review the Drug Endangered Children Policies and Protocols please follow the link to:  http://www.in.gov/dcs/2353.htm

Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline
1-800-800-5556

Article forwarded from Pulaski County Sheriff Mike Gayer