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About the center
NATIONAL METHAMPHETAMINE TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
State resources
State resources
RESOURCES
The situation: In recent years, Kentucky has consistently been among the leaders in clandestine lab busts by law enforcement. Despite efforts to toughen laws and keep meth precursor chemicals out of the hands of meth cooks, the problem continues. In 2011 the state legislature is wrestling with a prescription-only law for cold medications that contain pseudoephedrine and its fate is uncertain. Meanwhile the cost of meth is rising across the state. The Kentucky State Police Intelligence Division estimates the cost of meth and related problems rose from $25.4 million in 2008 to $30.3 million in 2009.The division also says that personnel hours expended on meth cases rose from 13,696 in 2008 to 23,712 in 2009 and 33,920 in 2010.

-- Meth labs uncovered by law enforcement
Year              2004    2005    2006    2007    2008    2009    2010
Lab busts       604      590      328     302      428      707     1,049

-- High schools students (grades 9-12) who say they have used methamphetamine at least once. The U.S. average for 2009 was 4.1%.
(Source: Centers for Disease Control):
Year                              2003    2005    2007    2009   
Pct. using meth             9.7%    7.3%    6.0%    4.9%

-- Drug Enforcement Administration meth seizures in Kentucky (listed in kilograms - 1 Kg. = 2.2 Lbs.):
(Source: Drug Enforcement Administration)
Year               2005    2006    2007    2008    2009    2010
Seizures        6.3       5.6      8.3       9.6       7.8       9.0

-- Percentage of drug treatment admissions that are primarily for amphetamines (mainly methamphetamine). the U.S. average for 2010 is 6.3%:
Year              2005    2006    2007    2008    2009    2010
Meth pct.       5.8%    5.1%    4.3%    3.8%   3.9%   4.4%
(Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)


Speaking of meth

"We thought, 'Great, we've beat back the tide (after meth precursor ingredients were controlled). "Now the tide's kind of turned and is coming back in again."
-- Capt. Kevin Payne, head of the state police's drug enforcement-special investigations unit for the eastern half of the state.









If you have comments or information to add, please e-mail the National Meth Center
Where the labs were
Kentucky law enforcement found a record
1,049 meth labs in 2010. Counties where
most were busted:
Jefferson | 154
Hardin | 53
Warren | 70     Barren | 57
Laurel | 113