From Deseret News archives:
Meth arrests soar
Only Arkansas matches Utah's 100% increase
|
A National Association of Counties survey of 500 law enforcement agencies showed Utah and Arkansas as the only states where meth-related arrests went up 100 percent over the past 12 months.
"How come that doesn't surprise me?" said Marjean Searcy, coordinator of the Salt Lake Meth Initiative.
Narcotics officers have become much more efficient in working drug-related crimes, Searcy said.
Utah's dramatic increase in meth-related arrests goes against what appears to be a slowing trend in the nationwide meth epidemic.
The NACo asked counties in 45 states about the percentage increase in arrests during the past five years, the past three years and the past year. While 88 percent reported increases in the five-year period, only 67 percent reported increases the past year.
Utah and Arkansas were the only states to report 100 percent increases over all three periods.
Methamphetamine abuse is Utah's biggest drug problem, especially among women, the majority of whom have young children.
Salt Lake Police Sgt. Ryan Atack, who heads the narcotics squad, said meth use hit epidemic proportions in Utah seven years ago.
"I don't know that it's gotten any worse," he said. "It's still our number one problem."
The Deseret Morning News, in a six-part series called "Generation Meth," last November examined how meth addiction burdens courts, prisons and social services and devastates families and children.
Comments
- Alta's Ohai is Ms. Soccer 2009 4:37 p.m.
- Senators want food tax restored 4:35 p.m.
- 2 more in GOP may challenge Bennett 4:04 p.m.
- Miles, Saban back SEC officials 3:46 p.m.
- Baby sitter charged in infant death 3:45 p.m.
- Hockey HOF class gets its rings 3:03 p.m.
- Phelps to test old suits at World Cup 3:03 p.m.
- Flyers get QB back for semifinal tilt 3:02 p.m.
- Former DPS head pleads guilty 2:46 p.m.
- Hasan's lawyer to meet with him 2:45 p.m.
- TCU showdown has big implications
- Seniors helped BYU regroup
- Hope for single moms
- Lambert surprisingly tops news
- Bystanders framed for child porn
- Korver and Miles to be evaluated
- Utah Jazz Extra: Whose hot/not
- Newhouse Hotel, an explosive end
- 12 high schools ready for 'The Turf'
- Reducing game time laughable
- Gay advocates trek to LDS office
261 - House passes health care bill
221 - Lobo suspended
176 - TCU showdown has big implications
164 - Cougars crush hapless Cowboys
153 - Utah Jazz fall apart against Kings
130 - Thousands protest health bill
110 - Provo company innovating engines
108 - TCU 4th in AP poll; U. 16th, Y. 22nd
108 - RSL rallies to advance
103
Meghan McCain, the daughter of former presidential candidate John...
Why do so many people live so close to refineries in Utah and elsewhere?
Thank you for your service, Steve Butler.
"Which was the same argument made when a black man wanted to marry a white...
The thing is it was an article about gorbachev and not ronnie because...
in my opinion, they should leave it off, and take of the remaining portion as...
Oh my goodness, Don--a bit of hyperbole, no? Are you satisfied to continue...
Beautiful essay, Ann. My father-in-law came in on Utah Beach 24 hours after...
C'mon D-News
Thats right raise the tax on the poor.
Wow. Seriously? Who pissed in your orange juice this morning? Two men...
Kay McIff says big families don't really need a tax break? I thought this...



You can be the first to comment on this story.