While we respect the concerns of law enforcement
The Oil and Gas Industry of Ohio said in a statement, "While we respect the concerns of law enforcement agencies in Washington County, it is important to note that our industry has a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to drug use of any kind. The harsh reality is that the growth in meth labs has more to do with the TV show Breaking Bad than an industry creating well-paying jobs for Ohio residents."
Meth labs are so unsophisticated that everything a meth cooker needs can fit into a backpack, and because they are so portable, the drugs can be delivered to rural area like Marietta.
Cooking meth has tremendous risks. Deputies say one man ultimately died from his injuries when his meth lab exploded in his car. “The juvenile in the front seat that had the lab on his lap ended up losing his right leg," says Staats.
Recently, deputies say they've seen more people selling meth than cooking it, and the finished product he says is coming just two hours north of here. “Columbus is pretty much the source city for Washington, Morgan and Monroe Counties; basically this whole region," adds Staats.
He says those convicted of selling meth in Washington County are receiving prison sentences between 3 to 5 years