For Chemung County, the number of meth labs in recent years continues to climb. Up until last year, county officials say on average they would see three to four meth labs a year, but this year authorities have already uncovered eight. Chemung County has rapidly become home to the most meth labs in New York State. The growing trend prompted the county sheriff’s office, along with the Golden Glow Volunteer Fire Company, to hold an informational session for residents to help them recognize the drug, as well as the dangers it poses. Officials say part of the popularity of making the drug is the ease with which it is manufactured, using items often found in homes such as salt and ephedrine, the key ingredient in Sudafed. Community members were urged to be on the lookout for those products, in addition to seeing a large number of cold tablet containers and unusual smelling odors. Authorities say that with the increasing number of meth labs this year, they are doing everything in their power to crack down on offenders and reverse the current trend.
