State police say meth labs still a problem locally

PUTNAMVILLE -- Meth labs continue to be a problem in the state of Indiana, the Indiana State Police reported Thursday.

According to a report issued by Sgt. Rich Myers, public information officer for the Putnamville district, ISP's Meth Suppression Units dismantled 820 meth labs in the state of Indiana in 2007, compared to 766 in 2006.

In 2005, there were 992 labs dismantled and in 2004 there were 1,115 labs removed, Myers said.

Myers said these numbers include three labs dismantled in Putnam County in 2006 and two labs dismantled in 2007.

Statewide there were 1,041 new cases with 401 tips from community members, he said.

During 2007, 623 people were arrested in these cases.

Myers said he wanted to remind the public they were instrumental in helping locate a great number of meth labs last year and their help is needed again this year.

Anyone with information concerning illegal drug activity can contact the Indiana State Police at 800-225-8576.