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About the center
NATIONAL METHAMPHETAMINE TRAINING & TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER
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The situation: According to law enforcement agencies in South Carolina, methamphetamine is a growing threat in the state. After sinking for several years, the number of clandestine labs uncovered in the state has been on a steady rise (see graphic above). In addition to use of the drug in South Carolina, the state has increasingly been documented as a transshipment corridor for meth and other illicit drugs.  Meth-making has been highly popular in rural areas around Swansea, Gaston and South Congaree -- known to law enforcement as the “Meth Triangle.”
See complete report on meth trends and impacts (from 2007).


Meth in South Carolina  

-- High school students who say they have used methamphetamine at least once during their life (all grades, 9th-12th). Source: Centers for Disease Control survey
Year                                      2005         2007       2009
U.S. Average (all grades)      6.2%        4.4%       4.1% 
N. Carolina (all grades)        6.4%        4.67%      3.2%         
NC 9th graders                     5.8%         5.7%       2.5%
NC 10th graders                    6.1%         3.8%       3.1%
NC 11th graders                    5.4%         5.5%       2.2%
NC 12th graders                    7.0%         3.1%       3.8%


-- Number of people admitted to drug treatment for amphetamine-related addictions and the percentage of all admissions that were related to amphetamines (mostly meth).
Year                  2005     2006     2007     2008     2009    2010
Number            788        713      605        596      551      559
Percentage       2.9%      2.7%   2.3%      2.2%     2.0%   2.0%
(Note: the national average percentage of meth admissions is 6.3%)
Source: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration


-- Seizures of methamphetamine in South Carolina by agents of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Seizure amounts are in kilograms (note: 1 kg. = 2.2 lbs.):
Year                 2005     2006     2007     2008     2009    2010
Seizures           12.2       3.4        0.1      4.9        3.2       1.2
Source: Drug Enforcement Administration


Speaking of meth

“Meth is a desperate drug. Only one in six addicts are successful in kicking the habit. “Ninety-eight out of 100 people become addicted the first time they try it.”
- Lt. Ashley Harris of the Spartanburg County Sheriff's Office


If you have comments or information to add, please e-mail the National Meth Center
Meth labs make a comeback after brief respite
Number of South Carolina clandestine meth labs busted by law enforcement since 2004
Source: El Paso Intelligence Center
2004            2005            2006            2007            2008             2009            2010
191
142
69
26
56
99
124