DEA no longer paying for meth lab cleanup

GAINESVILLE - The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is turning over the cost of cleaning up methamphetamine labs - which can run as high as $2,000 per instance - to local law enforcement agencies.

But, Hall County Sheriff's Office spokesman Jeff Strickland says Hall County is in better shape than than most places because its drug squad is trained and equipped already to perform such tasks.

"...where this affects the Hall County Sheriff's Office is in the actual disposal of the often toxic chemicals used in the production and making of methamphetamine," Col Strickland said Thursday.

Another advantage, he said, is that number of meth labs found in Hall County has declined over the past six months.

Strickland said the cost of cleaning up a meth lab runs between $1,500 and $2,000, depending on the size of the lab.

"However, the National Sheriffs Association and the International Association of Chiefs of Police are working very hard to get some funds restored to the DEA.

Col. Strickland says the DEA announcement came as a surprise.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/3/236925