Isle narcotics agents
plan to chill
production of ‘ice’

Officials expect that the increase
in the public's awareness
will bring more busts

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By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com

Local narcotics agents predict an increase in the number of drug lab busts as the community becomes more aware of what to look for and because of heightened security at the airport.

"They (the public) are the eyes and ears of the police department," said Dean Yamamoto, clandestine laboratory coordinator of the Honolulu Police Department.

Meetings are being held around the state to educate residents about clandestine drug labs. The state Attorney General's Office has held meetings on Kauai and in Kona. Yamamoto said he plans to coordinate more meetings so the public can help law enforcement catch drug lab operators.

Officials from Circle Solutions Inc. recently made a public presentation at Kapalama Elementary School on the hazards of clandestine drug laboratories, the effects of crystal methamphetamine abuse and the signs residents can look for if they suspect a drug lab is being operated in their neighborhood.

Fighting back Residents can call the following numbers if they suspect someone is running a drug lab in their neighborhood: >> Anonymous calls to 529-3101 >> The Narcotics / Vice Division at 529-3102 >> Or call 911

"It's gonna rise 'cause it's so easy to make," Yamamoto said.

Ingredients used to make crystal methamphetamine can be purchased at retail stores, and information on how to manufacture the synthetic drug can be found on the Internet, he added.

Michael McCampbell, project director for Circle Solutions federally funded clandestine laboratory training project, said, "I'm afraid it will get worse before it gets better."

Last year, there were five drug lab seizures in Hawaii, according to Keith Kamita of the Narcotics Enforcement Division. That's down from previous years when there have been as many as 20 seizures, he said.

Since the Sept. 11 attacks, Hawaii narcotics officials have investigated at least four drug smuggling cases a month, primarily methamphetamine, Kamita said.

Prior to Sept. 11, drug smuggling cases were half that, said Kamita, attributing the rise to heightened airport security and increased narcotics enforcement. He said the heightened security has made it more difficult for couriers or smugglers to bring in drugs.

Currently, an ounce of crystal methamphetamine in Hawaii costs between $2,000 and $4,000. The drug is also known as batu, shabu, speed, ice, go-fast and tweak.

"That's still our No. 1 illicit drug," Kamita said.

Residents who attended the Kapalama meeting shared their fears about living near drug labs in their neighborhoods.

For more than a year, a 40-year-old Kapahulu resident has carried a knife to protect himself from his neighbors who allegedly run a drug lab above his apartment.

"I get threatened with gun clicks when I walk out of my door," said the resident, who did not want to give his name out of fear for his safety.

"They need to go down," he said.

Missouri Police Sgt. Jim Wingo, an expert in crystal meth labs, said ingredients to make the drug can be found in Sudafed, batteries and engine starting fluid.

Crystal meth is a stimulant that increases the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature. It also produces euphoria, increases aggression and decreases a person's appetite.

"It makes you feel like Superman. It makes you feel better than you ever did in your life," said Wingo, adding the high effect from the drug can last up to 12 hours.

Furthermore, those who operate clandestine drug labs are not the most conscientious and tend to mishandle chemicals that may lead to explosions, he said.

Law enforcement officials look for abnormal purchases at retail stores of products that can be used to make methamphetamine. Also, red sores, or "crankbugs," and acid burns on a person's skin are signs of addiction to methamphetamine.

"It's always been here. It's just a matter of recognizing (drug laboratories)," Yamamoto said.