KOSCIUSKO — Kosciusko County leads the state, nation and world in several great aspects. From topnotch education programs, state of the art orthopedics facilities and a slew of great locales to enjoy, the county’s businesses, schools and lakes strike a note of pride in many of its residents’ hearts. However, Kosciusko may also be known for something a little less commendable.

Recent statistics from Indiana State Police’s Methamphetamine Investigation System indicate Kosciusko County is currently one of the leading counties in the state for meth production. In the first six months of 2015, a total of 29 meth labs have been reported within the county with an additional lab found in Pierceton just this week.

According to data provided to InkFreeNews by ISP, in January and March four labs were discovered. Meth occurrences continued to rise over the next few months with six labs discovered in April and June and nine labs discovered in May. As the data currently stands, Kosciusko is tied with Miami, Noble and Vigo counties, all of which report 29 labs discovered this year.

However, the land of lakes held a fast position in the top three category last year. According to 2014 statistics, Kosciusko ranked second in the state for meth lab arrests, with a total of 58 labs reported in 2014.

Though Kosciusko does have a high occurrence rate with this drug, it is still far behind the first place county in the state. Delaware County, home of Muncie and Ball State College, reported an incredible 148 meth labs in 2014 and has already reported a striking 119 labs in the first six months of 2015.