Delaware county is once again at the top of the list for the number of discovered and dismantled methamphetamine labs in Indiana during the first quarter of 2015. It has led the state for the past several years.

According to statistics released by Indiana State Police, 68 meth labs ranging from one-pot to larger, more elaborate operations were found in Delaware county between January 1 and April 30.

The top five counties in the state for meth lab discoveries reported by ISP were:

• Delaware – 68
• Noble – 24
• Miami – 22
• Tippecanoe – 22
• Vigo – 22

Scott O’Dell, Muncie Police Department narcotics unit, believes that the reason Delaware county is consistently at the top of the list isn’t that it has more meth producers, but better enforcement.

O’Dell noted the participation of an ISP meth suppression team in area enforcement. He also cited local citizens alerting authorities.

“We’ve just taken a more proactive sight,” stated O’Dell. “And we like it that way.”

Delaware county prosecutor Jeffrey Arnold concurs that the statistics “reflect a trend toward enforcement.” He and Muncie mayor Dennis Tyler have both testified before Statehouse committees in favor of regulating pseudoephedrine as a controlled substance.

Some authorities question whether all meth labs are being reported to ISP however, as Marion and Lake counties which have a combined population of approximately 1.4 million people only reported finding a total of five meth labs between from from January to April.

Source: The Star Press Muncie