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January 23, 2012

'Shake-and-bake' meth fills hospitals with burn patients

ST. LOUIS — A crude new method of making methamphetamine poses a risk even to Americans who never get anywhere near the drug: It is filling hospitals with thousands of uninsured burn patients requiring millions of dollars in advanced treatment — a burden so costly that it's contributing to the closure of some burn units.

So-called shake-and-bake meth is produced by combining raw, unstable ingredients in a 2-liter soda bottle. But if the person mixing the noxious brew makes the slightest error, such as removing the cap too soon or accidentally perforating the plastic, the concoction can explode, searing flesh and causing permanent disfigurement, blindness or even death.

In Indiana, about three-quarters of meth busts now involve shake-and-bake. And injuries are rising sharply, mostly because of burns, said Niki Crawford of the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Team. (AP Image)

An Associated Press survey of key hospitals in the nation's most active meth states showed that up to a third of patients in some burn units were hurt while making meth, and most were uninsured. The average treatment costs $6,000 per day. And the average meth patient's hospital stay costs $130,000 — 60 percent more than other burn patients, according to a study by doctors at a burn center in Kalamazoo, Mich.

The influx of patients is overwhelming hospitals and becoming a major factor in the closure of some burn wards. At least seven burn units across the nation have shut down over the past six years, partly due to consolidation but also because of the cost of treating uninsured patients, many of whom are connected to methamphetamine.

Burn experts agree the annual cost to taxpayers is well into the tens if not hundreds of millions of dollars, although it is impossible to determine a more accurate number because so many meth users lie about the cause of their burns.

Larger meth labs have been bursting into flame for years, usually in basements, backyard sheds or other private spaces. But those were fires that people could usually escape. Using the shake-and-bake method, drugmakers typically hold the flammable concoction up close, causing burns from the waist to the face.

"You're holding a flame-thrower in your hands," said Jason Grellner of the Franklin County, Mo., Sheriff's Department.

Also known as the "one-pot" approach, the method is popular because it uses less pseudoephedrine — a common component in some cold and allergy pills. It also yields meth in minutes rather than hours, and it's cheaper and easier to conceal. Meth cooks can carry all the ingredients in a backpack and mix them in a bathroom stall or the seat of a car.

The improvised system first emerged several years ago, partly in response to attempts by many states to limit or forbid over-the-counter access to pseudoephedrine. Since then, the shake-and-bake recipe has spread to become the method of choice.

By 2010, about 80 percent of labs busted by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration were using shake-and-bake recipes, said Pat Johnakin, a DEA agent specializing in meth.

So instead of a large lab that supplies many users, there are now more people making meth for their personal use. The consequences are showing up in emergency rooms and burn wards.

"From what we see on the medical side, that's the primary reason the numbers seem to be going up: greater numbers of producers making smaller batches," said Dr. Michael Smock, director of the burn unit at Mercy Hospital St. Louis.

It's impossible to know precisely how many people are burned while making shake-and-bake meth. Some avoid medical treatment, and no one keeps exact track of those who go to the hospital. But many burn centers in the nation's most active meth-producing states report sharp spikes in the number of patients linked to meth. And experts say the trend goes well beyond those facilities.

The director of the burn center at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee, the state that led the nation in meth lab seizures in 2010, said meth injuries are doubly damaging because patients often suffer thermal burn from the explosion, as well as chemical burns. And the medical challenge is compounded by patients' addictions.

"You're not judgmental in this kind of work, but you see it day after day," said Vanderbilt's Dr. Jeffrey Guy. "We've had patients say, `I'm going out for a smoke,' and they come back all jacked up. It's clear they went out and did meth again."

Few people burned by meth will admit it.

"We get a lot of people who have strange stories," said Dr. David Greenhalgh, past president of the American Burn Association and director of the burn center at the University of California, Davis. "They'll say they were working on the carburetor at 2 or 3 in the morning and things blew up. So we don't know for sure, but 25 to 35 percent of our patients are meth-positive when we check them."

Guy cited a similar percentage at Vanderbilt, which operates the largest burn unit in Tennessee. He said the lies can come with a big price because the chemicals used in meth-making are often as dangerous as the burns themselves.

He recalled the case of a woman who arrived with facial burns that she said were caused by a toaster. As a result, she didn't tell doctors that meth-making chemicals got into her eyes, delaying treatment.

"Now she's probably going to be blind because she wasn't honest about it," Guy said.

In Indiana, about three-quarters of meth busts now involve shake-and-bake. And injuries are rising sharply, mostly because of burns, said Niki Crawford of the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Team.

Indiana had 89 meth-related injuries during the 10-year period ending in 2009. The state has had 70 in the last 23 months, mostly from shake-and-bake labs, Crawford said.

What's more, meth-related burns often sear some of the body's most sensitive areas — the face and hands.

"I don't think a lot of these patients will be able to re-enter society, said Dr. Lucy Wibbenmeyer of the burn center at the University of Iowa. "They'll need rehab therapy, occupational therapy, which is very expensive."

Researchers at the University of Iowa found that people burned while making meth typically have longer hospital stays and more expensive bills than other burn patients — bills that are frequently absorbed by the hospital since a vast majority of the meth-makers lack insurance.

Medicaid provides reimbursement for many patients lacking private insurance, but experts say it amounts to pennies on the dollar.

Doctors at Bronson Methodist Hospital in Kalamazoo, Mich., performed a five-year study of meth patients in the early 2000s, then a follow-up study in 2009-2010. Their investigation concurred with the Iowa findings. The Kalamazoo study also found that meth burn victims were more likely to suffer damage to the lungs and windpipe, spent more time on ventilators and needed surgery more often.

That report also found that only about 10 percent of meth patients had private insurance coverage, compared with 59 percent of other patients. And in many cases, their injuries leave them unable to work.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Copyright 2012 Associated Press

 

Wednesday, January 11,2011

Scam Warning

 

The Bullhead City Police Department is warning the public about a fraudulent check scam.

Several locals have reported they were offered money to cash a check for someone else.

     “Scammers who have possession of a stolen or counterfeit check ask someone else to cash the check for them,” said Detective Edward Betts. “They make up any excuse, such as they forgot their wallet or ID and need cash immediately. They sometimes offer the person money for doing them a favor.”

     Detective Betts said most of the checks were cashed into accounts through an ATM after bank hours.

     “So the scam artist gets the money, but you’ve deposited a bad check into your own account and the bank holds you financially responsible.”

     Police urge people to never cash a check for someone else. Legitimate checks can take up to 10 days to verify.

     For more information on other scams and prevention tips, log on to www.azag.gov

 

National Rx Drug Take Back Day
BHCPD collects 300 lbs.

The Bullhead City Police Department collected approximately 300 pounds of prescription drugs Saturday, during the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.
Officer Mike Sodaro (pictured) turned over the unwanted & expired prescription meds to the DEA for proper disposal on Monday.
According to Drug Free Arizona, 1 out of 4 Mohave County teens got high on prescription medication last year. Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from the home medicine cabinet.
Thank you to everyone who participated in this nationwide effort to help prevent drug abuse and theft!

  

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YOUR GARAGE DOOR IS NOT SAFE!

ARE YOU A SMOKER??? CLICK HERE

ONE EXAMPLE OF HOW OUR COURT SYSTEM WORKS---------a giant clogged drain......     

BULLHEAD CITY POLICE NEWS AND ARRESTS

LAKE HAVASU CITY NEWS AND ARRESTS

GO TO "NEWS AND ARRESTS" FOR UP TO DATE NEWS IN MOHAVE COUNTY.

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July 20, 2011

HEY PEOPLE, THINKING OF GETTING A PIERCING??? TAKE A LOOK AT THIS....

SAFETY CAMPAIGN

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office wants to Remind Drivers to SLOW DOWN as part of “Back to School Safety Campaign”.

Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is asking drivers to slow down and exercise caution as the new school year comes back in session

August 1st thru the 19th. As part of a “Back to School Safety Campaign”, Mohave County Sheriff’s Officers are working together to

raise public awareness about traffic safety during the school year.

The Sheriff’s Office will focus on motorists who illegally pass school buses, speed in school zones, fail to wear or ensure their

children wear safety belts, and commit other unsafe driving actions in and around the schools in unincorporated areas of Mohave

County.

The goal of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office is to raise awareness that school is back in session and students will be traveling

to and from school.

TRAVELING TO AND FROM SCHOOL

Walking to School

Be realistic about your child's pedestrian skills. Because small children are impulsive and less cautious around traffic, carefully

consider whether or not your child is ready to walk to school without adult supervision.

If your child is young or is walking to a new school, walk with them the first week to make sure they know the route and can do it

safely.

Bright colored clothing will make your child more visible to drivers.

Bike

• Always wear a bicycle helmet, no matter how short or long the ride.

• Ride on the right, in the same direction as auto traffic.

• Use appropriate hand signals.

• Respect traffic lights and stop signs.

• Wear bright color clothing to increase visibility.

• Know the "rules of the road."

School Bus

• Wait for the bus to stop before approaching it from the curb.

• Do not move around on the bus.

• Check to see that no other traffic is coming before crossing the street.

• Make sure to always remain in clear view of the bus driver.

• Children should always board and exit the bus at designated locations that provide safe access to the bus or to the school

building.

Tips for Motorists

• All passengers should wear a seat belt and/or an age- and size-appropriate car safety seat or booster seat.

• Do not text or talk on your cell phone while driving.

• Slow down and obey all traffic laws and speed limits.

• Be alert for school zones that have a reduced speed limit at designated times of the day.

• Watch for school buses. Red flashing lights and an extended stop arm indicate the school bus is stopping to load or

unload children. State law requires you to stop.

• Keep an eye out for children walking in the street, especially where there are no sidewalks.

• Be alert for children playing and gathering near bus stops and for those who may dart into the street without looking for

traffic.

• When backing out of a driveway or leaving a garage, watch for children walking or biking to school.

• When driving in neighborhoods or school zones, watch for young people who may be in a hurry to get to or away from

school and may not be thinking about there safely.

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Synthetic Cannabinoids

 

Students raise Awareness

 

Bullhead City, (Ariz.) – September 10, 2010 – S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

Club students are working to raise awareness of a synthetic cannabinoids product sold as “incense”,

but is commonly used to get high.

“Many people who buy this product are not buying it for the purpose of aromatherapy,” said

S.A.D.D. Club Advisor Officer Andy Sevillano, Bullhead City Police Department. “They are using it

as a drug.”

“K2”, “Spice” or “Spice Gold” is marketed as an herbal “incense” product, not designed to be

ingested.

“It’s a mixture of herbal and spice plant products that have been sprayed with a synthetic compound

similar to THC*,” said S.A.D.D. Club Executive Committee member Sam Sanders, Mohave High

School freshman. “But, even a low dosage can produce strong effects and can be more harmful than

smoking marijuana.”

Sanders has been researching synthetic cannabinoids in an effort to inform the public and other

students about its risky effects. The symptoms can include; seizures, tremors, panic attacks,

hallucinations, agitation, anxiety, pallor, numbness/tingling, increased blood pressure, tachycardia and

vomiting.

“The symptoms are worse and last longer than marijuana, plus it’s not regulated so people don’t

know the risks involved,” said Sanders. “I think it should be illegal or merchants should not be allowed

to sell it.”

Deputy Police Chief Brian Williamson said he is impressed with the work of the S.A.D.D. Club

members putting effort into this matter of community concern.

“We are open to working with Officer Sevillano and the S.A.D.D. Club to examine the feasibility of

suggesting changes to local ordinances to adequately control this type of product,” added Deputy Chief

Williamson.

For more information or if parents have any questions, please contact School Resource Officer

Andy Sevillano at (928) 704-2500.

*THC, Tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive substance that causes the “high” in marijuana use.

 

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National Prescription Drug Take Back Day
Oct. 29th

The Bullhead City Police Department will be participating in the DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on Saturday, October 29^th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

     During this time, law enforcement agencies across the country will provide a venue for people who want to safely and anonymously dispose of their unwanted, unused or expired prescription medications.

     According to Drug Free Arizona, one out of four Mohave County teens got high on prescription medication last year.  Studies show that a majority of abused prescription drugs are obtained from family or friends and often from the home medicine cabinet.

     All medications collected will be turned over to the DEA for proper disposal.

A prescription drug drop-off site will be set up in the Bullhead City Police Department parking lot, 1255 Marina Blvd, on Saturday, October 29^th from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

     To find other drop-off sites, log on to www.DEA.gov. For more information on prescription drug abuse, log on to www.DrugFreeAZ.org.

 

 

CITIZENS ACTION TEAM RECOVERS STOLEN MOTORCYCLE

Citizens Action Team members recovered a stolen Harley Davidson late Wed night, MCSO was called and an attempt to contact the owner was unsuccessful, so the bike was picked up by Mikes Power Tow and taken to the yard. CAT member said “we offered to keep it overnight to save the owner tow charges but the officer said that would not be possible since it was stolen.” Hopefully it gets back to the rightful owner right away. The bike had been repainted from yellow to the "spray can" blue. Vin number was still intact.

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CAT would like to thank these individuals for attending or speaking at our previous meetings:

 

Allen Palomino Assistant Chief Probation officer with Mohave County Probation Dept, for a detailed explanation of the workings of the Probation Dept.

Terry Flanagan, Chief Investigator for the County, for the very informed talk and power point presentation on Identity theft.

The Honorable Judge Robert Moon who gave us a very informed talk on our court system.

Trish Groe, State Represenative and her husband Frank,

Constable Jean Bishop Spoke on the duties of Constable.

Tim Baumgarten, ARIZONA GAME AND FISH, Law Enforcement.

The Honorable Judge John Taylor, Cerbat Justice Court

ERACE Team enforcement officer, Sonny O'Hara. "Enviromental Rural Area Cleanup and Enforcement"

Jack Ehrhardt Planning and economics development director for Hualapai Nation and candidate for Supervisor.

Dana Hlavac, Public Defender and candidate for Superior Court Judge Division 5. 

Bill Shade, MOHAVE INSURANCE 

RON WEAVER, Enforcement for Davis Camp and Candidate for MOHAVE COUNTY SHERIFF

Susan Williams, Project director for MCTUPP. 

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THE PHOTOS OF OUR CRIMINALS THAT HAVE BEEN ON OUR FRONT PAGE FOR A WHILE HAVE BEEN SENT TO OUR "MUG SHOTS" PAGE. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PUT THE MORE RECENT PHOTOS ON THE FRONT PAGE. AND THE "DEAD" FILES WILL BE PASTED ON THE MUG SHOTS PAGE. WE DO WANT TO KEEP THE PHOTOS ON THESE PAGES, BECAUSE WE BELIEVE ALL  THE CRIMINALS NEED TO HAVE THEIR PHOTOS PASTED ON OUR WEB SITE. TOO MANY OF THEM JUST KEEP DOING THE SAME THING OVER AND OVER AGAIN. THEY WALK AROUND OUR COMMUNITY LIKE THEY ARE GOOD CITIZENS AND CONTINUE TO CHEAT, STEAL. SELL DRUGS AND CON THE GOOD CITIZENS OF MOHAVE COUNTY INTO THINKING THEY ARE "OK". WELL,.... CRIMINALS,.... "HERE'S YOUR SIGN" AND ITS A BIG ONE. YOU COMMIT A CRIME AND YOUR PHOTO WILL BE POSTED HERE FOR EVERYONE TO SEE FOREVER, SO YOU CAN NO LONGER BE INVISIBLE.

  Who will be next??? DO YOU KNOW OF A CRIMINAL THAT IS CAUSING A PROBLEM. EMAIL US AND WE WILL HIGHLIGHT THEM HERE. WHO'S NEXT?? JOHN DUANE HENRY 25 Feb, 2011 John, here's your sign... John earned this spot. H got arrested again last night when deputies found him at a storage place on Powell Ave, with a truck load of stolen items and burglary tools. He got arrested in January also. He was arrested in Nov 2007 for the same thing and spent time in prison. Below is the report on that:   TRAFFICKING STOLEN PROPERTY – KINGMAN
Mohave County Sheriff’s deputies arrested John Duane Henry, 38, of
Golden Valley, late Tuesday (11/20) afternoon for trafficking stolen
property, a felony.  Early Monday (11/19) evening, at about 5:17 p.m.,
deputies responded to a burglary report in the 3700 block of Suffock
Avenue.  Deputies contacted a 49-year-old female victim.  The victim
reported a 2006 Polaris ATV, a computer monitor and a variety of items
were stolen from her residence.  Upon investigations deputies learned
that Henry had sold the reported stolen ATV to a male subject Monday
(11/19) evening.  Approximately 4:45 p.m., deputies contacted Henry in
the 2700 block of Apache Street.  During conversations with Henry, he
admitted to selling the ATV.  Henry was taken into custody without
incident.  He was transported and booked into the Mohave County Jail.
Some of the stolen items were recovered.     

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  Be sure to check our "STOLEN ITEMS and REWARDS" pages, we have new stuff that might be yours and you might be able to make a lot of money!   Do you want to stay up to date on the events and activities of the Citizens Action Team? Signup for our "Free" Newsletter.

 

IF YOU HAVE TIPS, LEADS, ANY INFO THAT YOU THINK IS IMPORTANT FOR US TO KNOW PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL

 AT:    

EVERYONE KNOWS WHERE A DRUG HOUSE IS,  EMAIL US. WE ARE MAKING A MAP.

WE WOULD ALSO LIKE TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE ANY SUGGESTIONS FOR OUR WEB SITE. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE.

THANK YOU.

Please help us help you by donating generously to Citizens Action Team

DONATE TO CAT                                                                             

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NEWS LINKS Reverse Mortgage Fraud Aims at Stealing Seniors’ Homes ATTEMPTED MURDERER BENNIE MASTERED CAPTURED IN CALIF. TROY ELLIS GAYER CAPTURED   CAPTURED! KURT LOUIS OXOS. JR.   VICTIM SUFFERS HEART ATTACK AFTER DISCOVERING THEFT   ROBERT COTA ARRESTED   SEPTIC COMPANY NAILED Drug smugglers using ultralights to bring drugs into USA again.   Tony stewart donates bulletproof vest to police dogs.    Mohave County Animal Control, New Program   Get Involved in National Medicine Abuse Awareness Month HERSHEY SUES MARIJUANA FOOD MAKER PARENTS NOT TALKING ENOUGH ABOUT DRUG DANGERS TO THEIR KIDS TEEN DRUG SLANG: A DICTIONARY FOR PARENTS DRUG DEALERS TARGET YOUNGER CUSTOMERS CAT GETS THEIR CONVICTION!  Michael Dwight Bomar, "thief" gets 10 years in Prison $3,000.00 Reward for cattle shot in Kingman CAT announces the acquisition of a patrol aircraft. 2 white  supremacy members arrested The sad story of Steven Wusstig Sheriff Joe Arpaio authorizes reward system to catch copper thieves. Welcome to meth country......Mohave County! Mexico's gangs take over U.S.Mexico's gangs take over U.S. meth trade Mexico meth raid nets $205 million in U.S. cash

SOME OF OUR FAVORITE LINKS:

POLICE DEPARTMENT

LAKE HAVASU POLICE DEPT 

MOHAVE COUNTY SHERIFF

BULLHEAD CITY POLICE

ARIZONA RANGERS

ARIZONA GANG TASK FORCE

ARIZONA MISSING CHILDREN.

AMERICA'S MOST WANTED

 

FBI 10 MOST WANTED.

 

KINGMAN METH COALITION

 

NATIONAL CENTER FOR MISSING AND EXPLOITED CHILDREN.

 

AZ. SEX OFFENDERS ABSCONDERS

 

AZ. SEX OFFENDER SEARCH SITE

 

US MARSHALLS MOST WANTED.

 

US POSTAL SERVICE MOST WANTED

 

US POSTAL INSPECTOR

CITY OF KINGMAN

Arizona MADD

Arizona SADD

www.drugfree.org

www.thetruth.com

http://www.methproject.org/

www.arizonamethproject.org

www.jointogether.org

Mohave County Tobacco Use Prevention Program MCTUPP

               Protecting police dogs with donated bulletproof vests

                                                                                              http://www.venomocity.com/

                                                                      http://www.myspace.com/mcstomp

                                                              www.tascaz.org

                                                                 http://www.azteenchallenge.org/

                                                            http://www.cesar.umd.edu/ 

                                                        ARIZONA CRIMINAL CODE

                                                    

 

   IF YOU ARE ON METH, CLICK HERE.

 View the "meth videos". 

Click the link below for a powerful presention of meth, how its made and its effects. Meth also known as, "TIK".

Click here for the POWERPOINT PRESENTATION ON METH, (TIK)  Use the arrows or mouse buttons to advance the slides, hit the Esc button to stop. To see this file you must have Microsoft Powerpoint installed on your computer, (it comes with Microsoft Office.)

 

 

 

 

YOU STEAL COPPER, WE'LL MAKE YOU FAMOUS................

 

 

This idiot had no idea he was being filmed.

Our new wireless technology allows us to

Transmit videos and stills to our vehicles

Laptops, or to our office via the internet.

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Save a Police Dog by donating to Vest 'N P.D.P.

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Please help us help you by donating generously. Any small amount will help. We have no other source of income except from private citizens. Just click the "DONATE TO CAT" below to use your credit card.

 

Thank You,

The Team                                

 

DONATE TO CAT

 

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