Hundreds turn out for meth meeting in Meridian

www.ktvb.com/news/localnews/stories/ktvbn-jan2606-meth_meridian.3f31007f.html

10:27 AM MST on Thursday, January 26, 2006
KTVB

MERIDIAN -- Methamphetamine use is an epidemic in the area, and law enforcement officers say no community is immune.

That’s the message Meridian officials were hoping to spread to the 300 people who attended a presentation last night at Meridian Middle School.

The Meridian mayor's office and police department showed how dangerous and expensive drugs can be for a community.

Those in attendance heard some sobering statistics.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Monte Stiles, from 1990 to 1996 drug use among high school students doubled.

He says meth sites can cost up to $150,000 to clean, money that could be spend in classrooms.

And Stiles says one in 10 teens have tried meth, one of the most addictive drugs on the street.

The group in charge hopes the information makes children and teens aware of the dangers of illegal drugs.

"There are a lot of drug issues and things that needed to be solved and that haven't been solved, and we are trying to help the big wheels in our district and our city know there is a problem," said Andrea Dicello, mayor's youth advisory council.

The community meeting was sponsored by the Meridian Kiwanis after a similar meeting in Kuna.