| By Bob Weaver
For the first time in over a decade, the West Virginia State Police in Calhoun are arresting individuals related to the manufacturing of meth, in addition to the selling of prescription medication.
The officers of the local detachment have made several arrests in recent months of suspected meth makers, some of them linked to reports issued by DHHR's Children's Protective Services.
Meth-making in Calhoun appeared to be at an all-time high during the early 2000s, dropping off some in the last two or three years, but surging again, especially with the shake-and-bake method.
During the last ten years, while hundreds have been arrested in each of the regional counties, only a handful of meth arrests have been made by authorities in Calhoun.
A significant number of arrests of Calhoun citizens, however, have been made by police agencies in regional counties during the past decade.
State Police in Calhoun experienced a series of problems early-on regarding meth-making, including the prosecution of a Chloe woman based on their alleged seizure of meth when she was arrested.
After about a year in the court system, it was disclosed the officers did not have the meth evidence.
In another high-profile meth-making case against John Manis Richards, State Police admitted to losing the meth evidence.
While troopers were subjected to internal investigations regarding lost evidence, alleged stolen money and guns, information regarding those investigations were never made public, with none being charged.
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During the last decade there have been numerous explosions and fires in Calhoun that destroyed buildings, highly suspect that meth-making was going on, with none of those cases resulting in charges being brought.
The new meth-method, widely known as "shake and bake," involves a bottle, a handful of cold medicine and some noxious chemicals.
Just shake and you have one of the world's most addictive drugs.
Prior meth-making required an elaborate lab, with components simmering over an open flame, cans of ingredients and pills.
It was complicated, and neighbors often were able to spot the location.
Calhoun residents have often speculated where meth was being cooked, from its' distinctive fumes.
While meth use has been declining for several years, the new system appears to have caused a spike in meth use around the country.
It is quick and easy production, that allows most everyone to make their own supply undetected.
The addiction to meth is considered to be one of the most devastating.
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