In-Class Meth Demonstration Angers Parents

In-Class Meth Demonstration Angers Parents

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Story Published: May 2, 2005 at 4:05 PM PDT

Story Updated: Aug 31, 2006 at 1:56 AM PDT

By Keith Eldridge

ELMA - A local woman went 'through the roof' when a deputy took his anti-drug message to high school.

She says he showed students how to make methamphetamines, and she has the video to prove it.

Grays Harbor County sheriff's deputy shows class, "And the reaction will start occurring down there and start bubbling up."

It is part chemistry class and part drug enforcement as a member of the Grays Harbor drug task force talks to Elma High School students about making Methamphetamine.

Deputy shows class: "Then you'll have a little bit down at the bottom, the white stuff, and that's your meth."

One parent considers it a recipe for disaster.

"I was really upset when my daughter had come home and said 'mom we learned how to make meth today in school,' " said parent Teresa McCutcheon. "My jaw just kind of dropped and I said, 'what?' "

Teresa McCutcheon found it hard to believe what her daughter was telling her. She wanted to see for herself, so she demanded and got a videotape of that class.

The McCutcheons say it's one thing to learn about the dangers of meth and how to spot a meth lab. It is another thing to show kids how it's made.

"I think it's a good thing to be educated about it, but it's bad if they're teaching you how to do it," said high school freshman Christene McCutcheon.

We showed the same video to Grays Harbor County Undersheriff Rick Scott. He says it's the same demonstration the drug task force has been putting on for several years, but they'll review it.

"We talk about how methamphetamine is manufactured. I think there's a big difference between 'how' it is manufactured and 'how to' manufacture it," Scott said.

Christene is asked, "So you think you learned how to make methamphetamines because of this demonstration?" Christene answered, "Yes. I just don't know how to mix it all together."

Scott says, "We'll look at this, but we stand pretty firm in that this is an educational tool. The schools have been very receptive to it in years passed."

The Elma Schools superintendent says the district will also review the material but stands by this effort to educate the students.

The sheriff's office says they don't give specifics about the recipe and they emphasize how explosive the process is.

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