Missouri on pace to lead the nation in meth lab seizures … for the 10th time in a row

Check the standings! Missouri is on track to lead the country in meth labs seized.The Southeast Missourian figures that this would be the tenth straight time that the Show-Me State has led the nation in meth labs.

Crime Scene KC credits Missouri’s “dedicated hobbyists” for the labs. This isn’t the big corporate meth labs they have in California. No, this is ma-and-pa meth, and they’re on the rise with more than 1,400 labs seized so far, which is up 8 percent from the same time in 2009. Authorities believe that number may hit 2,000 by the end of the year.

Where are the most labs? The Missourian says Jefferson County is

leading the state with 153 seizures with Washington and Jasper counties

just below 70. Shake-and-bake meth making is credited for some of the

increase.