Treasure Coast Sheriffs: Methamphetamine is making a problematic comeback

MARTIN/INDIAN RIVER COUNTY, Fla. (CBS12) — Though fentanyl has grabbed many of the drug-related headlines, Treasure Coast law enforcement agencies say methamphetamine is unfortunately making a comeback.

“In my 20 or so years with this sheriff’s office, this is the highest level of meth use that I have seen,” Martin County Sheriff William Snyder stated.

“In the last 6 months, we’ve recovered several pounds of it,” Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers added on.

Flowers, a former undercover narcotics detective, says a decrease in price is playing a role in meth’s resurgence.

“2019, wasn’t uncommon for us to pay about $1,200 for an ounce of that meth, and now we’re back to the price has dropped significantly; we’re down to $200 for the same amount of drug,” he told CBS12 News.

See also: Meth house busted in Martin County

While meth was commonly concocted by domestic labs in years past, Snyder says that’s changed - playing a role in decreasing the price and increasing availability.

“The source of the methamphetamine that we see here in Martin County comes right across the border from Mexico to here," the Martin County Sheriff shared. "Until there’s a clampdown at the border and until there’s some kind of coherent policy there, I think we’re going to see meth being very prevalent and much less expensive.”

Although fentanyl has stolen the drug spotlight lately, both sheriffs say tracking down meth dealers and users is every bit as important.

“I’ve seen meth in the past but it’s clearly on our radar now,” Snyder said.

“A lot of folks are focusing on fentanyl these days but the reality is that meth is still alive and well along the Treasure Coast,” Flowers tacked on.

Both sheriffs say they’re working diligently with federal agencies to put those selling the drug behind bars.