Nearly every time a new inmate walks into a cellblock at San Juan County Detention Center (SJCDC), he is asked by the inmates there which crime he is in for, DWI or meth. Sadly, the running joke rarely fails and his response will almost definitely be one of the two. San Juan County, like any county, has drug problems, some larger than others. The one that has become the number one drug problem in the county is methamphetamine production and usage. (Mr. Jack Fortner – respected and experienced lawyer). Authorities cannot seem to get this ever growing problem under control. Region II Narcotics Task Force supervisor Sgt. Brian McAchren stated that there had been 1,146 arrests with nearly 300 pounds of drugs seized in this area. (Farmington Daily Times Editorial Nov 2003). Ninety three percent of the drugs Region II officers seized in 2000 were methamphetamine, accounting for $3.1 million worth of meth from 2000 – 2003. McAchren also reported that the biggest drug bust in the history of this county happened in early 2003 as a result of nearly two years of undercover work and consisted of more than 200 meth related arrests. People are drawn to the drug because it is a very powerful high, is very cheap, and is readily available. Meth, when compared to other drugs, is relatively easy to manufacture or "cook". Meth related arrests are up 300 % since 1994 and meth lab seizures are up 577 % since 1995. (Sgt. McAchren). The reason "cooking" meth is so easy is that it's made from chemicals available at any
             general store such as Wal-mart, Smiths, or Walgreen's. Making, or cooking, the drug is very dangerous as some of the chemicals used are highly explosive. A bill was passed by the House of Representatives making the manufacturing of meth in homes where children are present a felony under child abuse. (Farmington Daily Times Feb 2004). The high or feeling that a person gets from meth shoul...