The dangers of meth are well-known. You may not know that meth trafficking into the United States has continued to increase every year. It isn’t blue like the famous crystals from Breaking Bad, but Americans are consuming more and more meth. The amount of meth seized by the DEA doubled between 2017 and 2018. And, this year alone, the DEA has seized thousands of pounds of meth. The dangers of meth trafficking continue to impact us every day.
New Statistics on The Dangers of Meth Trafficking
Although drug trafficking isn’t new, the drastic spike over the last several years has officials worrying. The following is the latest information law enforcement officials have about meth smuggling via the Mexican border:
- Over 30,000 pounds of meth were seized at the border in Arizona in 2019.
- Every year from 2014 to 2020, the amount of meth seized has increased, sometimes by double and triple the prior year’s rates.
- Mexican smugglers are becoming increasingly creative in their approach to crossing the border with drugs. There are reports of meth dissolved into liquid and placed in gas tanks and other bizarre tactics.
- Meanwhile, on our side of the border, meth production has massively decreased, creating more demand for smuggled meth.
The Increasing Dangers of Meth
While most meth labs found in the United States are small-scale, it’s a whole different story in Mexico. Mexican cartels operate industrial-sized super labs. Because cartels are using laboratory-grade equipment and chemicals they can produce meth on an incredibly large scale.
This production leads to the other significant impact Mexican-produced meth has had on the US market – falling prices. A pound of American-made crystal meth costs in the ballpark of $25,000 to $30,000. However, a pound of Mexican meth costs between $8,000 and $10,000.
That’s a significant decrease in price. In addition, this new and potent Mexican meth is dangerous because it’s more powerful and addictive than anything previously made.
The dangers of meth are clear, and they will only get worse with this trend. It’s no wonder meth seizures have increased so dramatically. Not only is the supply increasing, but the demand is through the roof.
Can We Help?
Cheaply-produced meth is flooding our streets. Generally, there continues to be increasing demand and more supply of this addicting substance. Now, what can we do to reduce both and fight meth use across America? The answer is not that simple.
Unfortunately, it’s a complicated equation. Solving the meth crisis will require things like increasing youth education and outreach, increasing access to quality and affordable addiction treatment, expanding healthcare services for common medical issues associated with meth use (HIV screening), and decreasing the stigma related to meth.
To implement all those changes will take years, decades perhaps, and lots of financial support. However, the good news is that it’s possible. A nationwide “recovery” from our collective meth addiction is possible and, in some areas, already underway.
Seeking Treatment for Meth Addiction
If you or someone you know is struggling with crystal methamphetamine abuse, know there’s help available. At Lighthouse Recovery Institute, our addiction treatment centers can help those struggling with substance abuse. We offer comprehensive addiction treatment programs that incorporate detox, therapy, group support, and everything else you need to find the right path to recovery.
Contact us today and speak with our admission specialists to learn about our affordable treatment options and insurance verification process so you can start your addiction recovery right now. Don’t wait any longer, addiction can be a life-threatening condition, and the sooner you seek help, the better your chances of recovery.
