Use still a problem, but 2005 law has nearly eradicated production

The hassle and expense of cleaning up houses that once contained meth labs is becoming a problem of the past in Linn County.

Despite the persistent presence of methamphetamine in the mid-valley, drug labs have virtually disappeared.

Officials attribute the change to restricted access to precursor substances. In 2005, Oregon law was changed to limit access to cold medicines containing pseudoephedrine, a chemical used in making meth.

In Linn County, there was one meth lab reported in 2008 and none so far this year. In 2004 there were 26, down from 57 in 2003.

In Albany, the last time police suited up in hazmat gear was in May 2007 after the discovery of meth waste at an apartment where a small amount of the drug was being made.

The disappearance of labs has eliminated waste sites and dangerous living conditions, particularly for children.

While the meth labs are gone, narcotics detectives are still fighting the drug, which is now coming from Mexico, officials say.

"The presence of meth has not in any way diminished," Albany Police Capt. Eric Carter said.

Just this month, Albany police found meth during two separate drug searches at homes.

In Sweet Home, police have executed 10 narcotics search warrants since the beginning of the year. Six of those involved meth.