Meth Lab Statistics Missouri
September 3, 2008
In 2008, the DEA reported that like heroin, the methamphetamine market in Missouri differs greatly between the eastern and western halves of the state.
The western half of the state is dominated by crystal “ice” methamphetamine, supplied by organizations based out of Mexico, California, and the southwest United States, and transported to the area by the traditional highway transportation organizations. Although “ice” is generally perceived to be higher in purity, lower purity levels have been found in many exhibits.
Although, small toxic laboratories are still found in western Missouri, the number of laboratory seizures in the western half of the state dropped 74% from 516 in 2004 to 136 in 2007.
Although most of the methamphetamine used in eastern Missouri is also believed to be supplied by the Mexican DTOs, the issue of local methamphetamine laboratories remains a top priority with local officials. Some law enforcement agencies have even reported a resurgence in laboratory seizures in late 2007.
In the past several years, the number of methamphetamine laboratories seized in eastern Missouri has declined, but at a lower level than seen in western Missouri. The number of laboratory seizures in eastern Missouri declined 54% from its peak of 601 in 2004 to 278 in 2007, a full twenty percent less than the decline in western Missouri. The state legislation limiting the sale of pseudoephedrine products is believed to have hindered local production throughout the state. However, local laboratory operators continue to obtain the necessary ingredients through “smurfing” (going from store to store, purchasing the maximum allowable amounts), and through theft of ingredients such as anhydrous ammonia.
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