Over the last few weeks members from DeFuniak Springs Police have been successful in executing investigations that have led to arrests pertaining to the manufacturing of the dangerous drug known as “meth”. These arrests and investigations were the result of citizens and police working together.
In 2004, there were 17, 170 meth lab “incidents” according to the Drug Enforcement Administration National Clandestine Laboratory Database. The use of methamphetamines as an abused drug has risen dramatically in the last 10 years. It can be made from materials found in drug stores and just about any type home improvement store. It can be made in small quantities in a basement, garage, storage space, bathrooms, bedrooms and vehicles in just a few hours. It doesn’t have to be smuggled into our communities; it can be manufactured practically anywhere.
The dangers are also as dramatic: explosions, pollution, and short or long term health effects, contamination of homes, vehicles, children and law enforcement personnel. These professional men and women who perform seizures of these clandestine meth labs face significant dangers. This is also true with all the first responders who may be at a meth lab site for a significant period of time.
If you have any information on any criminal activity in the DeFuniak Springs area, please contact us at (850)893-8513 or our anonymous tip line at (850)910-TIPS (8477). The citizens and police working together and sound police tactics is what makes DeFuniak Springs a better and safer place to live.
Lieutenant Tilman Mears
Criminal Investigations Division Commander
mearstf@defuniakspringspolice.net