Central Los Angeles : DRUG DEATHS

Methamphetamine deaths in Los Angeles more than tripled between 1992 and 1994, and authorities fear the high numbers could signal a nationwide surge in the use of the powerful narcotic.

The drug, commonly called “meth,” “crank” or “speed,” is a stimulant that in high doses speeds up the heart rate and gives users a “rush,” which may give way to a violence-prone depression as the drug’s effects wear off.

In Los Angeles, there were 219 methamphetamine-related deaths in 1994, compared to 68 in 1992, officials said. Los Angeles police officials said the hope to coordinate a strategy with federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents to stem sales of the drug.