Meth manufacturing is increasing: Chief Courtney

Decorah Police Chief tom Courtney says methamphetamine is making a comeback in Northeast Iowa and throughout the state.

The Iowa legislature passed a law in 2005 restricting the sale of some of the materials used in manufacturing meth.  That resulted in a dramatic decrease in meth production.

But Courtney says meth users have found ways to make methamphetamine in smaller batches and for cheaper prices.  That has spurred a slight resurgence in meth use.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says "recent reports show a higher purity level for Iowa seizures."  That's significant because, as the agency states, "the physical, psychological, addictive and social impact of this purer form of the drug is expected to be more acute."