http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/Today/2003070831
Production and use of methamphetamines is increasing in West Virginia, says U.S. Attorney Kasey Warner, reports the Charleston Gazette. About 14 percent of state high school students report using meth – 5 percent higher that the national average. Meth labs are spreading into hollows and hills in the southern and eastern parts of the state, Warner said.
Last year, police dismantled more than 100 meth labs statewide; compared to 13 the year before and only two in 2000. Warner blamed the meth epidemic for a one-quarter increase in domestic violence cases in one county. “Sadly, I think the meth problem is going to get worse before it gets better,” he said.
Cocaine users in West Virginia appear to be committing more violent crimes, Warner said. More than half of state drug convictions involve cocaine. Police report larger quantities of marijuana being transported through the state. Instead of duffle bags of marijuana in the trunk of a car, they're finding more tractor-trailers carrying the drug among their cargo.
Link: http://www.wvgazette.com/section/News/Today/2003070831