ROODHOUSE — The growing availability of cheap drugs such as meth is giving rise to a new problem in some communities — drug-related litter such as hypodermic needles being left indiscriminately on the streets.
Police Chief Kyle Robinson said methamphetamine use is up in the city, mirroring a national epidemic. Last year, city police handled five meth-related cases; this year, there already have been 11.
“Methamphetamine use is not exclusive to Roodhouse. I have spoken with other law enforcement officials in Greene County. who are also seeing a rise … like we are,” Robinson said. “The overwhelming vast majority of people in our community are law-abiding citizens and even though we are seeing more of this particular drug, it really only applies to a small group of people who choose to use it.”
Sheriff Rob McMillen said does not believe the region has seen a peak in the drug’s effects. Accessibility nationwide to drugs has led to an increase in use, he said.
There are other factors at play, as well. Cuts to fund have trickled down to services and have resulted in the closing of places such as The Wells Center in Jacksonville, leaving drug users fewer places to turn for help in quitting, McMillen said.
A consequence of the increase has been a rise in recovered hypodermic syringes, which can be dangerous to public health because they can contain diseases and drug residue. Robinson said drug users will often throw needles or pipes anywhere to avoid being caught by police.
Robinson said the best thing for people to do if they encounter something illicit is to call leave it alone and call police.
McMillen and Robinson said the trend is similar to increases in heroin arrests that counties have seen over the years.
Both departments are combating the rise with a two-pronged strategy: Education and enforcement.
“The police, unfortunately, will always have to battle drug abuse, regardless of how big or small a community is,” Robinson said. “One thing our department is doing is increasing our visibility and paying attention to areas that need our attention. We want to strengthen our relationship with the people who live in our area.”
