Last year the Indiana State Police Meth Suppression Units dismantled a total of 820 methamphetamine labs, compared to 766 in 2006, the ISP said.

According to a statement released today, 992 labs were dismantled in 2005 and 1,115 in 2004.

In addition, the units made 534 meth lab-related arrests, a 5.3-percent increase over 2006.

The ISP post in Lowell has tasked a trooper to full-time meth suppression duties, including the collection of intelligence about possible meth labs and the dismantling of those identified.

Last year two meth labs were dismantled in Porter County, compared to three in 2006.

Other counties in the Lowell District:

•Lake: one dismantled in 2007 (one in 2006).

•LaPorte and Newton counties: none dismantled in either county in either year.

•Starke County: nine dismantled in 2007 (16 in 2006).

•Pulaski County: five dismantled in 2007 ( six in 2006).

•Jasper County: one dismantled in 2007 (two in 2006).

The ISP reminds Hoosiers that they are instrumental in helping the suppression units to locate meth labs. Anyone with information about illegal drug activity is urged to call the Lowell post at (800) 552-8917.

Posted 4/17/2008