Most Eugene-Springfield law enforcement officials say they see meth just about everywhere they go on the job. On Tuesday night at 7:30 p.m., so did area channel-surfers.
That’s because at least six Eugene-area television stations aired “Crystal Darkness,” a 30-minute documentary exploring the physical and social effects of methamphetamine. Statewide, 25 local television stations showed the program simultaneously.
Tuesday’s broadcast was the third in a series produced by Global Studio. Each is intended to educate communities that are affected by the pervasive stimulant drug.
“This is the worst poison I have seen in my 30 years as a prosecutor,” said Lane County District Attorney Doug Harcleroad, who said he watched the documentary with interest Tuesday night.
Harcleroad estimated that 80 to 90 percent of all drug prosecution cases are related to meth. But the drug can lead to more than just a stack of paperwork for criminal justice workers – it can contribute to a host of other problems, he said. Often, meth users are more prone to commit property crimes, prostitution or homicide in extreme cases, he said.
“It’s just all over,” Harcleroad said. “It just permeates the criminal justice system.”
Meth can be made from some over-the-counter drugs, but much of it is manufactured in large labs in Mexico and California, according to the documentary. The addictive drug, most commonly found in a white powder form, is introduced into the bloodstream any number of ways, including snorting, pills or injection.
Tuesday’s film included testimony from several former addicts and police, among others. Addicts shed tears. Judges and law enforcement shook their heads. But everyone in the documentary agreed on one thing – meth can take over a person’s life.
The drug is also produced in smaller Eugene meth labs, and it’s very common for property crimes in the area to be linked to meth users, said Eugene police spokeswoman Kerry Delf. She said the drug has been a problem in Eugene for decades, but only in recent years has it vaulted into the public forefront.
“I think there’s been an increased public awareness on the issue,” she said.
Harcleroad said the campaign will serve Oregon best as a “prevention and awareness” measure. Addicts may not have seen it, but the video provided an important message to parents and children, he said.
“We need to win on the prevention side,” Harcleroad said. “Law enforcement is simply not going to win on the enforcement side.”
Harcleroad said county officials have done what they can to address the problem, but have been severely hindered by budget limitations. Lane County came close to closing its drug court, and has already lost several key narcotics staff because of budget cuts.
“That’s a backwards step – a big backwards step, and it’s because of money,” Harcleroad said.
The Lane County Jail also feels the budget crunch, he said. The county can only offer about 150 of its 500 beds for local criminals – the rest are reserved for more serious federal criminals – and frequently turns minor-offense drug users away because of it.
But awareness of the meth issue is key, Harcleroad said, and applauded the Crystal Darkness campaign’s success so far.
“I’m very pleased that all our TV stations stepped up in primetime,” he said. “I give them kudos.”
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