Summit County leads state in meth arrests

The Summit County Drug Unit is on alert and working overtime to keep you safe.

Take a look at these numbers: one in every four meth busts in Ohio happens in Summit County.

It may seem surprising, but that's how it's been for the past few years.

What's new is that Summit County now leads the state in the number of meth related arrests, according to a new report from Attorney General Mike DeWine.

Inspector Bill Holland with the Summit County Sheriff's Offices says there aren't necessarily more people cooking meth in Summit County, instead, he says the Summit County and Akron Drug units are aggressively going after offenders.

And meth cooks aren't just staying indoors now and cooking in and house and on a stove.

"It went from that to a one-pot lab, basically a two liter soda bottle or a small sports drink bottle. It's very mobile. Someone can throw it in their purse or their backpack and be producing meth at that time," says Inspector Holland.

In fact, since 2010, Summit County has seen a 400% increase in this type of lab. And when the meth cooks are done with the bottle, they often toss it on the side of the road or in a dumpster; that's when it becomes a danger to you.

"People come across one of these bottles and are not sure what it is. And if you shake it or disturb it, it can cause an explosion."

Inspector Holland says if you see a bottle on the side of the road with a muddy looking liquid inside, do not touch it. Instead, call your local law enforcement.