Methamphetamine Abuse in Louisiana
DEA Assessment:
- Production, trafficking and illegal abuse of methamphetamine continues to be the fastest growing drug problem in Louisiana.
- State agencies note a direct relationship between methamphetamine distribution and abuse and violent crime, particularly domestic violence, child abuse, aggravated assault and murder.
- Another factor is the profound environmental damage (5 to 7 pounds of toxic waste per pound of methamphetamine) resulting from methamphetamine production and the associated cost of remediating these laboratory sites. 1
Methamphetamine Use among State Population (2002-2005):
3.1% of persons aged 12 or older reported using meth one or more times during their life.2
1.9% of young adults aged 18-25 reported past year methamphetamine use.
0.5% of persons aged 12 or older reported past year methamphetamine use.3
Drug Offenses:
14% of 2005 Federal Drug Cases in Louisiana involved methamphetamine.4
Lab Incidents:
There were 17 lab incidents in 2006.5
Treatment Admissions for Methamphetamine Abuse:
1,244 treatment admissions for methamphetamine/amphetamine abuse in 2005;
5% of all drug abuse treatment admissions.6
State Laws Pertaining to Precursor Chemicals:
For non-pharmacy retailers only: Sales of single nonexempt PSE, EPH and PPA products limited to 3 packages or 9 grams in a single transaction; At both pharmacies and non-pharmacy retailers: Persons may not purchase more than 3 packages or 9 grams of nonexempt PSE, EPH or PPA products within any 30-day Period; Both pharmacies and non-pharmacy retailers: Must require purchasers to produce a photo ID; Non-pharmacy retailers: Must have purchaser sign a written log or receipt showing transaction date, purchaser name, and amount of product sold.7
Meth Lab Statistics Louisiana
Louisiana Methamphetamine Report 2004-2006
NDIC - Louisiana Drug Threat Assesment May 2001