A Loves Park husband and wife are arrested after a tip leads police to a major methamphetamine bust.
An apartment on Grand Avenue in Loves Park is where a meth lab was in operation. 100 grams of methamphetamine was found plus all the chemicals to produce meth. Meth has a similar effect on the body as cocaine. But meth is said to have a longer effect. To those living around a meth lab the fumes can be very dangerous.
Loves Park police arrested 34-year-old Kimberly Hillman and her husband 26-year-old Michael Hillman. The two are charged with about six different violations. Loves Park police say meth is cheep to make and that could be a factor as to why more labs are popping up.
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Fast Facts About Meth
- Methamphetamine use among high school seniors more than doubled between 1990 and 1996.
- Women are more likely to use meth than cocaine.
- The average meth "cook" annually teaches ten others how to make meth.
- Every pound of meth produced leaves behind five to six pounds of toxic waste.
- Seizures of clandestine meth labs in the Midwest increased tenfold from 1995 to 1997.
- Methamphetamine accounts for up to 90 percent of all drug cases in many Midwest communities.
- Methamphetamine kills by causing heart failure, brain damage and stroke.
- Methamphetamine-induced paranoia has led to numerous murders and suicides.
- Methamphetamine produces hallucinations.
- Meth users are the hardest to treat of all drug users.
- Meth lab site cleanups can cost up to $150,000.
- Methamphetamine is highly addictive.
- Meth use increases risk of child abuse and neglect and domestic violence.
Many people may be unaware that they're living near a meth lab. Here are some things to look for:
- Unusual, strong odors (like cat urine, ether, ammonia, acetone or other chemicals).
- Residences with windows blacked out.
- Renters who pay their landlords in cash. (Most drug dealers trade exclusively in cash.)
- Lots of traffic - people coming and going at unusual times.
- There may be little traffic during the day, but at night the activity increases dramatically.
- Excessive trash including large amounts of items such as: antifreeze containers, lantern fuel cans, red chemically stained coffee filters, drain cleaner and duct tape.
- Unusual amounts of clear glass containers being brought into the home.
Source: www.kci.org [Koch Crime Institute]
