Police crackdown on meth, child neglect

AUBURN, Ind. (WANE) - Police in DeKalb and Steuben counties, along with the Indiana Department of Child Services, are cracking down on meth use.

DeKalb and Steuben counties are both battling a high number of meth users and labs. Police are encouraging community members to report any suspected meth production or use.

According to the Steuben County Sheriff’s Office, 70 meth labs were seized in the county in 2012. DeKalb County seized 41 meth labs in 2012.

Steuben County Sheriff Tim Troyer said meth is the most dominant illegal drug in the Steuben County area.

“The affect that meth addiction has on families is devastating. It’s absolutely heartbreaking for our officers to go into a house, find a meth lab, and then see a toddler playing nearby," DeKalb County Sheriff Don Lauer said. Lauer believes it’s the single most-addictive illegal drug in America today.

Steuben County DCS Director Jan Lung says around 35 percent of Steuben County’s child welfare cases involve meth. 

“Parents who use meth tend to utilize their resources for the drug, leaving little money to buy food for their children. They ignore a child’s most basic needs like a safe home and supervision. And many times they even neglect to send their children to school," Lung said.

Wes Husselman, DCS’ DeKalb County director, says children are in dangerous because meth exposes them to hazardous chemicals. There's also the possibility of a fire or explosion. 

"The best way citizens can help our community is to get involved. If you suspect illegal drug activity in your neighborhood, call and report your suspicions," Lauer said.

To report a tip in Steuben County, call (260) 668-1000, ext. 5000. Anonymous tips can also be submitted online.

To report a tip in DeKalb County, call (260) 925-3365. You can also leave anonymous tips online .

In Indiana, all citizens are required to report incidents of child abuse and neglect. Anyone suspecting child abuse or neglect should contact the child abuse and neglect hotline at (800) 800-5556.