Some signs that meth is brewing

EVERETT – Sgt. John Flood came up empty-handed when he searched for a coffee grinder at local thrift stores.

“There wasn’t a grinder or blender anywhere,” said Flood, a sergeant with the Snohomish Regional Drug Task Force.

It’s likely that meth makers are buying or stealing the secondhand items, Flood said, adding that meth cooks grind up cold or allergy tablets to make the illegal drug.

Flood spoke to about 30 retailers and hotel and apartment managers at a breakfast Wednesday at the Quality Inn as part of the Snohomish County Meth Watch program.

The program aims to educate business owners and employees about meth and what drug makers might be buying in their stores. Retailers can provide invaluable information to help the task force track down meth labs. Employees are supplied with forms they can fill out to report suspicious transactions.

Those reports detail what was purchased, including lithium batteries, cold medicine and the solvents used to make meth.

They also ask employees to include a detailed description of the customer.

“If someone looks like they’ve been up for three days and hasn’t bathed, and they’re buying a bunch of lithium batteries, we want to hear about it,” Flood said.

Flood was joined by Nancy Underwood Long, who spoke about the growing need for foster and adoptive parents to care for children removed from homes with meth labs.

Almost half the discovered labs have children living in the homes. The living conditions often are hazardous, and a majority of the children removed require long-term health care, said Underwood Long, who works for Families for Kids Recruitment Resources, a group that supports and recruits foster and adoptive parents.

“They lose so much when they’re removed from a home,” she said. “If they have a safe place, they will succeed.”

Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.

For more information

For more information about Meth Watch or the Snohomish County Meth Action Team, call 425-388-3414.

Donations also are being accepted for breakfasts and educational information supplied to Meth Watch participants.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Oliver Popa, 7, poses with his book, "Drippey Plants a Garden," on Tuesday, March 25, 2025 in Edmonds, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Edmonds 7-year-old publishes children’s book featuring ‘Drippey’ the bee

Oliver Popa’s first grade teacher said he should publish a longer version of a writing assignment. A year later, his mother — a publisher — helped made it happen.

Don Sharrett talks John Wrice through his trimming technique on Friday, March 14, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett barber school offers $5 haircuts — if you’re brave enough

Students get hands-on practice. Willing clients get a sweet deal.

Employees and patrons of the Everett Mall signed a timeline mural that traces the history of the 51-year-old indoor mall that was once considered the premier place to go shopping in the city. Thursday, March 20, 2025 (Aaron Kennedy / The Herald)
Mall mural offers nostalgic trip into the past

Past and present Everett Mall employees joined customers Thursday to view an artistic timeline of the once popular shopping mecca.

Ash Roberts, left, and Wryly T McCutchen, right, browse for book at the Everett Public Library on Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
‘It’s being killed’: Federal grant termination hits SnoCo libraries

A federal agency terminated a $3.9 million grant Wednesday that funds library and museum programs across Washington.

Lynnwood
11-year-old tried to stab student in Lynnwood school, deputies say

The child is still at large, the sheriff’s office said, but there is no active threat to the students or staff at the school.

Nichole Webber: Drawing up plays for athletes and politics

The communications director for the city of Everett believes leadership is rooted in honesty, integrity and selfless commitment to others.

2025 Emerging Leader Natalie Given (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Natalie Given: Building trust and communicating concerns

Everett Police Department’s Public Information Officer builds relationship and better communication.

2025 Emerging Leader Melinda Cervantes (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Melinda Cervantes: Making sure every voice is heard

Prolific volunteer facilitates connections between Spanish-speaking public representatives and community members.

2025 Emerging Leader Kellie Lewis (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Kellie Lewis: Bringing community helpers together

Edmonds Food Bank’s marketing and communications director fosters connections to help others.

2025 Emerging Leader Christina Strand (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Christina Strand: Helping people on the move

Community engagement specialist believes biking, walking and public transit can have a positive impact.

Percy Levy, who served 17 years for drug-related crimes, outside his new business Redemption Auto along Highway 99 on Thursday, Sept. 21, 2023 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Everett man indicted on federal drug and weapons charges

Percy Levy, along with two men, face federal charges for their roles in a major drug trafficking operation.

2025 Emerging Leader Anthony Hawley (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Anthony Hawley: Creating friendships and filling pantries

Since 2021, Hawley has increased donations to Lake Stevens Community Food Bank through fundraising and building donor relationships.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.