News Release
September 15, 2006
Contact: SA Erin Mulvey
212-337-2906

DEA Will Host Methamphetamine Symposium to Educate New Yorkers on the Second Hand Meth Effects

JOHN P. GILBRIDE, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, New York Field Division announced that even though the numbers of clandestine labs throughout New York State has decreased by 60% over the last two years, the “second hand meth effects” and the dangers associated with meth have increased.

Over 200 law enforcement personnel, drug counselors, educators, parents and medical professionals will gather to learn more on the lurking dangers of methamphetamine. Known as crystal meth, ice, the poor man’s cocaine, methamphetamine abuse has become a global epidemic. More than 26 million people worldwide use amphetamines-largely methamphetamine-which is more than the worldwide users of heroin and cocaine combined.

“The danger of meth, is not just to the user”, says SAC John Gilbride. “There are multiple second hand meth effects that we need to inform our communities about. These range from dangers to the environment, to the community, to our children’s health and safety. This is a terrifying drug because it is one of the most highly addictive illicit drugs and our city does not know the full impact of the dangers associated with it.”

The Methamphetamine symposium will consist of speakers from the DEA, Daytop Treatment Center, the United States Attorney’s Office-Southern District of New York and Colombia University. Presentations will focus on how meth is synthetically produced, the chemical dangers that lurk in clandestine labs, the criminal and civil legalities, the hazards to the environment that occur from meth production, the violent nature of those who use meth, the health risks users face while using meth and the availability of treatment to those who are addicted.

The methamphetamine symposium will be held at Pace University between the hours of 9:30 a.m. to noon. The event will be conducted in the Shimmel Theater at Pace University, One Pace Plaza, New York, NY 10038.