Indianapolis, IN- The Indiana State Police has been notified, on behalf of Attorney General Eric Holder, that the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Policing Services, has awarded ISP funding under the 2014 Anti-Methamphetamine Program Grant (CAMP). ISP has been awarded $567,000 in federal funds over the next two year grant period.
All funds awarded under CAMP must be used to investigate illicit activities related to the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. Funds awarded in this program shall be used exclusively for investigative purposes to locate or investigate illicit activities, including precursor diversion, laboratories, or methamphetamine traffickers.
According to statistics from Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Section, Indiana led the nation last year in the number of meth lab seizures with a total of 1,808 seizures taking place throughout the state, a 4.7 percent jump from the 1,726 incidents reported the previous year.
Indiana State Police Methamphetamine Suppression Section (MSS) Commander, First Sergeant Niki Crawford, said that the Indiana State Police is honored that its grant submission was fully funded from the grant proposal submitted. “Since the formation of the state’s full-time methamphetamine suppression section in 2006, MSS personnel have been working to educate residents, community leaders, business owners and others,†Crawford said. “That focus has led to more people reaching out to police when they see what they believe to be meth-related activity. We are pleased that our efforts have proven that community partnerships work in fighting crime.â€
The number of Indiana State Police personnel with the training to respond to meth lab crime scenes has grown in recent years. In 2006, 23 people were considered full-time personnel, according to the Indiana Methamphetamine Suppression Section website. There are now 19 full-time personnel and an additional 111 clandestine lab team members.
Additional information and statistics on methamphetamine and clandestine labs in Indiana can be found at the Indiana State Police website at www.in.gov/isp then click on the link “Meth Investigation Systemâ€
Anonymous tips concerning illicit drug activity can be made at the Meth Investigation website or by calling the ISP drug tip line at 1-800-453- 4756.
If your group or business would like to receive a presentation on methamphetamine and clandestine labs contact First Sergeant Niki Crawford at (317) 234-4593.
Below are the top ten Indiana meth lab counties from January thru August 2014.
Top Ten Counties
1 Delaware 89 D51
2 Noble 39 D22
3 Kosciusko 37 D24
4 Dekalb Elkhart 35 D22 D24
5 Decatur Monroe 32 D42 D33
6 Allen Vanderburgh 31 D22 D35
7 Miami 30 D16
8 Madison 26 D51
9 Tippecanoe 25 D14
10 Clark 25 D45
Total 369 38%
Total Labs 981
