The biggest meth bust in State history was announced by gardaí yesterday.
They suggest the size of the bust indicates an organised criminal gang may be behind the operation - and could be trying to establish a market for the drug.
Meth has been around for a few years in Ireland, but it has yet to become as 'popular' as it is in the UK or the US.
However, many worry that could change.
What Is Meth?
Methamphetamine, also known as ‘meth,’ ‘speed,’ ‘crank,’ or ‘ice,’ is a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. Meth is a synthetic drug produced or sold as pills, capsules, or powder that can be smoked, snorted, injected, or swallowed.
Physical Effects
Methamphetamine is neurotoxic and can cause dependence and addiction psychosis, stroke, dangerously high body temperature, and cardiac arrhythmia. Withdrawal often results in severe depression and paranoia.
How Meth Is Made
For many years, meth was primarily imported Mexico, Canada, China, and Southeast Asia.
However, access to 'meth cookbooks' on the internet has seen an increase in home-made labs or super labs which can make almost 4.5kg in 24 hours.
That's because meth can be made out of everyday household products like:
• Over-the-counter cough, cold, asthma, and allergy medicines containing pseudoephedrine or ephedrine
• Acetone (found in nail polish remover)
• Rubbing and isopropyl alcohol
• Iodine
• Starter fluid (ether)
• Petrol additives (methanol)
• Drain cleaner (sulfuric acid)
• Lithium batteries
• Rock salt
• Matchbooks (red phosphorus)
• Lye
• Paint thinner
• Tin foil
• Glassware
• Coffee filters
• Propane tanks
Meth labs are notoriously stinky, so they will often be set up in rural areas. Meth lab explosions are very common and often deadly, particularly in the US.
Meth's Effects
Meth has a detrimental effect on the human body including skin, teeth (aka 'meth rot') and emotions. Meth addicts are known to be aggressive, depressed and/or paranoid.
Famous Meth Addicts
Crystal Meth has rapidly become a hot drug at Hollywood parties. However, long before it got to Tinseltown, Adolf Hitler was given meth by his personal physician during the final three years of his life.
Troubled actor Tom Sizemore says in a statement during his court sentencing that he was introduced to meth by famous Hollywood madame Heidi Fleiss.
Fergie, the female voice of the Black Eyed Peas, told US magazine Time that meth 'was the hardest boyfriend I ever had to break up with.'
Prevention Efforts
The US Department of Justice declared that 30 November 2006 to be Methamphetamine Awareness Day.
Meth is illegal in most countries although it can be prescribed or used in research in places like the US or Hong Kong.
Source: Meth Watch
