Solving the meth problem

Methamphetamine continues to be a problem in Cheyenne County, but marijuana is by far the most commonly used and trafficked drug in the area.

"Our number one drug is marijuana, but that leads to other drug use," said Cheyenne County Sheriff John Jenson.

After arriving in Sidney, Police Chief B.J. Wilkinson was briefed at a staff meeting earlier this week about the most pressing issues facing Sidney Police. Officers informed Wilkinson that the top three drugs causing problems in this area are marijuana, methamphetamine and prescription drug abuse.

"Those three things are what guys are seeing," Wilkinson said.

The Sheriff agrees that in the recent past, Cheyenne County had a pretty nasty problem with prescription pills. This problem has decreased but hasn't stopped, Jenson said. Law enforcement distributed information to local doctors about how to spot addicts. Doctors worked in conjunction with Sheriff's office to cut down on prescription drug abuse, Jenson said.

When Police interact with a citizen for any infraction, officers check for specific smells and behaviors to detect drug use.

"Every time we have contact with an individual we're on alert for signs and triggers," Wilkinson said. "It's a heightened state of vigilance."

In past years, officials were finding quite a few methamphetamine labs in the area, but now local users are getting pharmaceutical grade product, mostly from Mexico, Wilkinson said. This is because some of the ingredients used to make the drug are becoming harder to acquire such a Sudafed and lithium batteries.

In many stores, customers must sign for these products. Those working on garbage trucks also know how to check for evidence of methamphetamine manufacture in the trash.

"People are keeping a closer eye," Wilkinson said.

This higher grade of drug from Mexico sells for about the same price as the version that can be manufactured here, so dealers find it appealing.

Although labs in the area are not as common as they used to be, the cooking method has changed, and has become smaller and more condensed.

Local law enforcement do monitor anhydrous ammonia tanks to ensure that it isn't being stolen. Anhydrous ammonia is a farm chemical and can also be used in the manufacture of methamphetamine. The farm cooperatives in the area are aware of this problem and try to keep a close watch on inventory.

"We've got a great working relationship with all the co-ops," Jenson said. "They're a hug supporter of law enforcement in the area."

Unfortunately, the proliferation of additional crimes go hand in hand with methamphetamine abuse, and this impacts the entire community. Addicts will break into cars to pilfer change and or anything else that can be traded for the drug. It's common for methamphetamine addicts to steal items and sell them to pawn shops for money to buy drugs. When the police bust someone for methamphetamine, they're never surprised when they must file additional charges.

"It's not unusual to find stolen property," Wilkinson said.

Jenson agreed that when any type of drug use occurs in a community it contributes to higher levels of other crimes in that area as well.

"If we have meth, we have a meth problem," Jenson said.

Addiction to this drug is so strong that those using it think about nothing else but their next high, he added.

"They're using right now and know they need to use again," Wilkinson said.

Those addicted to methamphetamine will do anything to achieve their next fix.

"Its addictive properties are wicked bad," Wilkinson added.

Even if marijuana is the biggest drug problem in the Sidney area, methamphetamine use cannot be ignored because of the devastation it causes to the individual who uses it, and in turn to the entire community. Just the physical effects of the drug are awful, Wilkinson said.

From 2010-2012 the number of controlled purchases, or covert purchases made by undercover officers or informants, made by the WING task force have gone from 30 to 185, the majority of which are methamphetamine said Nebraska State Trooper and commander of the WING task force Dana Korell.

"We're just doing our job," Korell said.

The number of drug arrests by the force have gone up 600 percent in two years, but Korell can't attribute that entirely to more drug use in the area. He credits the work ethic of his team for increasing the numbers.

"The task force has really been busy the past couple of years," Korell said.

Korell agreed with other area law enforcement that marijuana is the most problematic drug in the area, so much so that they just can't arrest all dealers or users that they're aware of.

"We have to prioritize busts," Korell said.

Because of high usage and relatively small penalties for marijuana compared to methamphetamine, many times methamphetamine users and dealers are pursued more aggressively. This is also because of the impact methamphetamine use has on those around the user, Korell added.

"Our area took a stance against meth," Jenson said. "We went after labs and possession and distribution."

Although the prevalence of the drug is down in Cheyenne County, law enforcement agencies in the area are still working against it.

"It tears families apart," Jenson said. "We need to consistently go after that."

He does think that especially because of Cheyenne County's proximity to Colorado, marijuana is the most worrisome drug in the area.

"Marijuana is a gateway drug," Jenson said. "Marijuana is a huge problem."

Jenson knows that drug activity of any kind has an impact on the quality of life for the citizens who live close to it.

"It's a fight that's always gonna be there," Jenson said. "I will not rest, we will not rest as long as it's there."

Area law enforcement continue to work to quell all drug activity in the area.

"I know the people of this community and our county won't stand for it," Jenson said.