Number of meth lab busts in Laurel County drop drastically in 2012

By: Kristen Kennedy - Email

Updated: Fri 11:50 PM, Dec 28, 2012

LAUREL COUNTY, Ky. (WKYT) - Just two years ago, Laurel County had one of the highest number of meth lab busts in the state, but now that number has gone way down.

Laurel County Sheriff John Root entered office in January 2011. That year, his crew dismantled 447 meth labs.

"We took down meth labs on a daily basis," explained Sheriff Root.

In 2012, the number of meth lab busts dropped to 48, and Sheriff Root credits hard work - and tips from the public - for the drastic decline.

"We went through town hall meetings, and we kinda took the show on the road, and people got involved, and you can see the results."

Sheriff Root already has sights set on fighting a different type of drug in the county in 2013. It's one he says has grown in popularity in the last year.

"The biggest problem that Laurel County has right now, drug problem, I would have to say is prescription medication. So we're gonna really put our efforts towards that in '13."

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