Special to The Times-Journal

Dallas County Sheriff Harris Huffman is announcing a “Meth Alert” program for Dallas County.

According to Huffman, methamphetamines have become an increasing problem not only in Dallas County, but the entire nation.

Huffman is following the example of other counties where the sheriff’s department calls on the community to help fight this illegal drug activity.

Huffman requests that all citizens and businesses in the county be on “alert” for crystal meth activity and notify the sheriff’s department of any suspected abuse.

For example, shoppers as well as business owners, should notify the department of someone who purchases the combined ingredients to make the drug, which include some or all of the following products: over the counter cold medications (such as pseudoephedrine), Drano, fuel additives (such as Heet), iodine, red phosphorus (can be found in matchbook covers), methanol, sodium hydroxide, and hydrochloric acid.

The sheriff’s department suggests that, if possible, these items be placed behind counters in stores to eliminate easy access.

Other items include coffee filters, funnels, glassware, and eyedroppers. Further, citizens should be aware of suspected activity, including, for example, strange odors coming from a building or residence, a neighbor who is constantly burning items in the yard, or a significant number of red colored coffee filters lying around.

All suspected activity involving meth should be reported to the sheriff’s department by contacting Assistant Chief Deputy Wayne Odom at (334)874-2530, the Secret Witness Hotline at (334)874-2588, or Crimestoppers at 1-866-442-7463.

Crystal Meth has become an increasing danger to our citizens, and affects all levels of society. A community-wide approach is required in order to help stop this drug, according to the sheriff.