2008 Woodie Awards
Meth Bust on Campus
Hans Cardenas/Special to the Star
Issue date: 4/27/05 Section: News
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Three recent crystal methamphetamine busts have Valley College security probing the halls to find any individuals daring enough to bring narcotics to campus.
"When they read about this kind of stuff in the paper, it makes them think twice before bringing drugs on campus," said Randy Tuinstra, College Sheriff at Valley.
Tuinstra has been fighting crime at Valley for more than four years and hasn't seen a problem with crystal meth in the past. However, Sonia Nodal, physical assistant at the Student Health Center, disagrees.
"It's a trend that has been going on a long time," Nodal said. "Students think that they can use it socially, but soon find themselves doing it all the time."
Two arrests have been made on campus since March 30, one in the men's room of the math/science building and the other in lot G. The most recent arrest occurred April 19 at a suspect's Van Nuys apartment. Police responded to a criminal threat report while the suspect was a student at Valley, and immediately recognized him from a prior booking photo. During a pat down search, officers discovered a glass pipe and small bag containing crystal methamphetamine. The suspect was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Crystal meth, also known as "crystal" or "glass," has been gaining steam in the U.S. over the past few years because of its simple recipe and low cost. In 2004, 5,456 arrests were reported for meth violations in the United States, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Some of the feelings induced by the off-white, rock-like substance include an increased heart rate, a feeling of invincibility, suppressed appetite and paranoia. Unlike cocaine and marijuana, which are often imported, crystal meth is widely manufactured domestically in small, makeshift labs around the country. Most of the labs are located in rural areas to avoid detection.
At one point, California had the most lab busts in the nation, but the tides have turned. From Sept. 2003 through Sept. 2004, Missouri took the lead with 2,746 seizures of meth-related labs and equipment.
"When they read about this kind of stuff in the paper, it makes them think twice before bringing drugs on campus," said Randy Tuinstra, College Sheriff at Valley.
Tuinstra has been fighting crime at Valley for more than four years and hasn't seen a problem with crystal meth in the past. However, Sonia Nodal, physical assistant at the Student Health Center, disagrees.
"It's a trend that has been going on a long time," Nodal said. "Students think that they can use it socially, but soon find themselves doing it all the time."
Two arrests have been made on campus since March 30, one in the men's room of the math/science building and the other in lot G. The most recent arrest occurred April 19 at a suspect's Van Nuys apartment. Police responded to a criminal threat report while the suspect was a student at Valley, and immediately recognized him from a prior booking photo. During a pat down search, officers discovered a glass pipe and small bag containing crystal methamphetamine. The suspect was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of narcotic paraphernalia.
Crystal meth, also known as "crystal" or "glass," has been gaining steam in the U.S. over the past few years because of its simple recipe and low cost. In 2004, 5,456 arrests were reported for meth violations in the United States, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Some of the feelings induced by the off-white, rock-like substance include an increased heart rate, a feeling of invincibility, suppressed appetite and paranoia. Unlike cocaine and marijuana, which are often imported, crystal meth is widely manufactured domestically in small, makeshift labs around the country. Most of the labs are located in rural areas to avoid detection.
At one point, California had the most lab busts in the nation, but the tides have turned. From Sept. 2003 through Sept. 2004, Missouri took the lead with 2,746 seizures of meth-related labs and equipment.
