Meth labs busted
FDLE warns of dangers of man-made drug
BY B.J. DAVIS Gulf Breeze News bjdavis@gulfbreezenews.com

Area arrests for methamphetamine production in home “labs” is on the incline. With two recent arrests in the Gulf Breeze area, Florida law enforcement agencies are continuing their battle against the drug.

According to the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, there were three seizures of meth labs in 2001 in Santa Rosa County. In 2002, that number nearly tripled with the seizure of eight home meth labs. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, Santa Rosa Sheriff's Department received consent to search a home on Kell Road in the Midway area which turned up 366 grams of liquid methamphetamine base, with a street value of $466,000 along with other harmful substances. In this case, three women, Jennifer Marie Pentecost, 28, Tina Marie Pentecost, 49, and Beverly Ann Craig, 33 were arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine, trafficking in methamphetamine, possession of narcotic equipment (Misdemeanor), manufacture/ deliver narcotic equipment, and possession of listed chemicals. Just over a week later, Santa Rosa Sheriff's Department deputies responded to a call of a White Firebird traveling along Highway 98 in excess of 100 mph. When deputies finally caught up with the vehicle after fleeing, they discovered a large box of supplies to make methamphetamine. That suspect was not located but identified as being 28-year-old Adrian Lenz Hormuth of Niceville.

The dangers of the methamphetamine are unique in comparison to other drugs.

"The dangers include the drug itself. It's different than cocaine or heroine. We don't have the capabilities to manufacture those. [Drug users] rely solely on traffickers [for those drugs]. Methamphetamine can be made from things you buy from Walmart and a little instruction," said FDLE Special Agent Supervisor Ed Hudson.

Street methamphetamine is referred to by many names, such as "speed," "meth," and "chalk." Methamphetamine hydrochloride, clear chunky crystals resembling ice, which can be inhaled by smoking, is referred to as "ice," "crystal," "glass," and "tina." The central nervous system (CNS) actions that result from taking even small amounts of methamphetamine include increased wakefulness, increased physical activity, decreased appetite, increased respiration, hyperthermia, and euphoria. Other CNS effects include irritability, insomnia, confusion, tremors, convulsions, anxiety, paranoia, and aggressiveness. Hyperthermia and convulsions can result in death.