Crockett County Deputies Teach Meth Lecture
CROCKETT COUNTY, Tenn. – What would you do if you come across meth? That is what local and state law enforcement are asking citizens and other officers. The Crockett County Sheriff’s Department went to Nashville to teach 40 other law enforcement how to detect meth labs while also being safe. Investigator Jordan Spraggins taught the event in Nashville and said just harmless household items mixed together place law enforcement and civilian life in danger. “Meth is a big problem,” He said. “We’re seeing it out on the roads and out on the streets and it makes it dangerous for people exercising and things,” he said. That is why Crockett County Deputies and other officers from around the state came together Thursday to instruct law enforcement and civilians what to do if they come across a meth lab. Most Jackson residents said they would not know what to do. “I’ve heard things about if you see bottles or bags hanging from trees you have to be careful,” Bob Ford said. “That’s the extent of my knowledge.” Andrea Hazlehurst said she thinks the deputies effort is a great step for Tennessee. “As prevalent as it is I think people need to know what they are coming across!” she said. Investigator Jordan Spraggins said the meeting went over how to each officers to identify meth labs, signs of meth use and how to keep everyone safe while cleaning one up. “The education we’re providing will teach them what to expect with a meth lab and maybe help save a life,” he said. As shake and bake meth labs get more popular Investigator Spraggins said more people are likely to come in contact with meth contaminated objects. He added, look for holes in bottles, tubing, powdery residue and strong odors. He says all are strong indicators of previous meth. “I know [meth] makes you at higher risk for cancer and affects your immune system you cant fight off sickness as good,” he said. The Tennessee Drug Task Force Projects the states meth problem will increase from last year, but in Crockett County they said their meth problem is actually decreasing. Investigator Spraggins said it was due to law enforcement efforts like Thursday. “Us going to classes with other officers allows us to figure out what’s going on there and if it might come here. Just makes the state more safe all the way around.” The Crockett County Sheriff’s Department said if you are unsure what something is do not touch it. They said it is best to call law enforcement to handle the dangerous chemicals.
