Meth Lab Found

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]