Methamphetamine on the Rise in Memphis
Marion White
Com/105
April 1, 2010
Olivia Miller
Methamphetamine on the rise in Memphis
Memphis has always had trouble with violent crimes and drugs over taking the city. One recent spike is the rise of methamphetamine lab bust throughout the city. One of the reasons the number of methamphetamine bust are up is because more people are calling police tips. Officers with the Memphis Police Organized Crime Unit say the drug is gaining in popularity, and it shows no signs of slowing down. They described the growing popularity in three little words its easy, fast, and inexpensive. Methamphetamine availability trends in U.S. drug markets are mixed; some markets in western states have reported sporadic and temporary shortages, while markets in other regions have reported stable to increasing availability.
Investigators say methamphetamine labs are popping up all over Memphis and Shelby County. Memphis Police Detectives have busted 12 meth labs so far in 2010. Nine of the busts have happened between March 19th and March 31st. Methamphetamine labs have been found in motels, apartments, houses, and even vehicles. Officer’s blame the recent spike on the shake and bake method where methamphetamine is made easily in a two liter bottle. When shaken up sparks fly throughout the bottle from the ingredients used. If there is any weakness in the bottle it could rupture and explode. Afterward’s a cook can conceal their crime by simply just throwing it away in someone else’s yard creating an even bigger hazard.
Methamphetamine was first synthesized in 1919 from the organic substance ephedrine.
In Tennessee, a person caught cooking meth faces eight to 30 years in prison. Most criminals are required to only serve 30%. If someone gets an eight year sentence, they would spend less than two and a half years in prison and could get less time for good behavior. Law enforcement reporting indicates that in some cities;...