Meth has been, and continues to be, the greatest catalyst for major crimes in our state. In fact, if we could totally wipe out the effects of methamphetamine in one moment, we could shut down half the Ada County Jail the very same day. Undoubtedly, you can recognize the obvious role meth plays in many drug trafficking and possession charges, but if you looked deeper into burglaries, child abuse, rape and murder you'd find meth abuse in a majority of those cases as well.

Methamphetamine is a unique drug because it is easy to obtain and relatively cheap to buy. We used to see it being manufactured in makeshift labs found in basements, kitchens and garages, but now a majority of the country's meth supply is produced in Mexico in super labs run by organized crime groups and street gangs. Members of those criminal groups moving into our communities add another element of danger.

Meth use is a multifaceted problem that will take more than one solution. We must battle it from every side - through law enforcement, medical care, education, support, treatment - all of which require substantial funding.

There are many very dedicated people making a sincere effort to help reduce the effects of meth in our communities, and I applaud their commitment. You probably have seen the Idaho Meth Project ads - a bold campaign aimed at teens. The ads warn of using the drug "even once". The Idaho Sheriff's Association has taken on the issue as well, sponsoring drug education programs in schools.

When it comes to fighting meth abuse, there is no simple solution. The reality is no one thing will end meth use, but there is something proven to make the biggest difference - a positive adult role model willing to help kids see that they, too, can have a bright future ahead of them. Children need to know someone cares and is paying attention. They need to know that the choices they make today will have an impact on their lives long into the future.

There needs to be good treatment programs available to people in our community who are ready to end their meth addiction. We don't have those now. There also needs to be a real effort made to stop the addiction long before it starts. Talk to your children and - even more important - listen to them. By becoming a positive role model and mentor for a child, you become the first - and strongest - line of defense against drug use.

Gary Raney
Ada County Sheriff