The legislation that put restrictions on pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others) purchases were meant to reduce the number of homegrown methamphetamine labs in Wyoming and other states that enacted legislation. Arguably this has been a success, with meth lab “events” reported by the DEA falling dramatically. Although Wyoming was never high on the list, neighboring Colorado (one of our suppliers of the drug) went from almost a hundred incidents down to a low of twenty from 2006 to 2010.
Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean the citizens of Wyoming are not getting the drug. Instead of making it in large labs, dealers are now importing it.
Last week, after executing seven search warrants, authorities arrested seven people in the Rock Springs and Green River area. The defendants are charged with conspiracy, possession and intent to distribute methamphetamine. An unspecified quantity of meth was seized, along with some cocaine, scales and other paraphernalia, and the required guns and cash.
Nine different law enforcement agencies were involved in the year-long investigation. That averages out to just over one law enforcement agency per arrest.
What a frustrating process this is. After useful legislation regulates the precursors to meth manufacture the suppliers simply switch sources and keep the flow going. It’s like a leaky dam when plugging one hole just opens another. And it’s embarrassing that our state has such a need for a drug that absolutely and clearly ruins health, families and entire lives. Arrests for methamphetamine exceed arrests for all other drugs combined.
Treatment admissions in Wyoming for meth addiction are nearly twice the national average on a per capita basis (US total = 6.3%; WY = 11.2%). That’s a real cause for concern.
