An Old Drug Gets a Dangerous Twist

It’s been reported a new kind of methamphetamine has hit the streets in several states. The meth, which is usually a white powder, is now being colored with light pink and can look a little like “pop rocks” candy.

It has been found in several states including California. Although deputies have yet to see it in the Crescenta Valley, they are aware of the possible problem.

Deputy Steve Toley, student resource officer for Rosemont Middle School, knows of the new spin on an old drug and, although it has yet to reach the area, he advises parents to be aware.

“Parents should know it is out there,” Toley said.

Toley said the new strawberry meth is more of a “marketing tool” and a possible way to avoid detection by law enforcement and parents.

Toley said that because of the candy-like appearance, it may not be immediately apparent to anyone looking for an illegal substance.

Meth, generally a white powdered substance, has grown in popularity as a drug that has been marketed as everything from an “energy boost” to a weight loss drug. The reality of the extent of this drug problem hit home a couple of years ago when eight students at Rosemont Middle School were found to have used meth on campus. Since then the resource officers and administration have continued to educate parents on the dangers of this drug. On one occasion representatives of the Crescenta Valley Sheriff’s Station narcotics division met with PTA members at Mountain Avenue Elementary to show the paraphernalia used with various drugs and displayed several before and after photos of meth addicts.

The agents told the parents that although many drugs come and go in popularity, meth is still the most used. With the new candy-like appearance, authorities with the Drug Enforcement Agency are concerned a younger market is being targeted.

Toley said that although it has not been found in the area yet, parents should be aware of what is out there and what their children may be facing.

After the incident at Rosemont Toley, along with teacher Krista McMillin prepared an outreach program for students and parents. Their purpose was to educate parents, and students, on the reality of meth and the consequences faced by users. The most dramatic portion of the program were a series of before and after photographs of users. The drug’s devastation was obvious. The students who were caught using the drug on the Rosemont campus referred to it as an “energy boost.” Now that the drug has a more colorful and pleasing appearance, the concern that its danger will be underestimated is a concern for law enforcement.

“Parents need to ask questions,” Toley said.