Meth was developed in 1919 and was used by both the Axis and Allies in World War II to keep troops alert and motivated. In the 1950’s meth was commonly prescribed as a diet aid, to fight depression, and give housewives a “boost”. The US government criminalized meth in 1970 and classified it as a Schedule II drug, meaning that it has very limited medical use. Physiological and psychotropic effects from nasally insufflated cocaine are sustained for approximately 40 - 60 minutes after the peak effects are attained. A single gram of meth, a “teener” costs about $80 and can supply 10 – 15 doses which can be smoked, snorted, injected, dissolved or swallowed. A single gram of Heroin can range from $120 - $500. The makeshift equipment of an average clandestine meth lab would fit in a small cardboard box or cooler. Meth labs have been set up in kitchens, bath tubs, sheds, back yards, ice houses and vehicles. |