Iowa law enforcement officers aren’t discovering near as many meth labs today as they did five years ago. But, Dale Woolery with the Iowa Office of Drug Control Policy says the dangerous and highly addictive drug is still very prevalent in the state. He says most of the methamphetamine in Iowa is shipped here from Mexico or the southwestern portion of the U.S. And Iowans continue to make their own meth.
"There’s a new method called a ‘one pot’ or ‘shake and bake’ method of manufacturing meth," Woolery said. "We’ve heard about it mainly in places outside of Iowa, but we are beginning to hear about it within the state of Iowa as well. It’s just a new, quicker way to make a smaller amount of methamphetamine for those who are inclined to do so."
According to the Iowa Department of Narcotics Enforcement, less than 20 meth labs per month are found in the state. That compares to 125 labs per month in 2004. Woolery says Iowa appears to be in the second year of a "small resurgence" of meth, but hundreds of people are seeking help to kick the habit and the treatment is working.
"We know that from research here in Iowa," Woolery said. "If you become a meth addict, not all is lost. You can get into recovery, you can get clean, you may need help, but you need to ask and go there. Family members also need to be aware and take the step to intervene and get help for a loved one if they need it."
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy is launching an $8 million anti-meth advertising campaign in 16 states, including Iowa.