Meth Use At 16-Year High Among Arrested Men: SANDAG

Fifty-two percent of men arrested tested positive for marijuana, 42 percent for methamphetamine

Methamphetamine has been called a wrecking ball in San Diego County by the U.S. Attorney's office.

Now, a new report by SANDAG reveals drug use, specifically marijuana and meth, is up among men who have been arrested.

“These individuals are more prone to risky behaviors, such as driving under the influence, sharing needles, committing property crimes to support their habits, and going to work under the influence of drugs, which can put others at risk," Director of SANDAG's Criminal Justice Research, Cynthia Burke, Ph.D said in a statement.

According to the SANDAG report, methamphetamine and marijuana use is at a 16-year high among those arrested. Fifty-two percent of men tested positive for marijuana and 48 percent tested positive for methamphetamine.

Buke says the numbers affect everyone.

In April, deputies discovered a 9-year old girl living in a shed in the backyard of a Lakeside home. Deputies also found a shotgun, rifle and eight grams of methamphetamine in the shed.

The girl's father and several others were arrested.

“My heart goes out to her," neighbor David Van Kirk told NBC 7.

Two children were taken into protective custody from another home in Lakeside, located on Moreno Avenue after deputies seized methamphetamine and stolen cars during a raid in August.

A parolee was also arrested after racing away in a vehicle through someone’s yard, crashing into power pole and fence and then leading deputies on a chase.

Neighbors in the area told NBC 7 they are concerned for their safety.

“I’m always just concerned that somebody dealing with those things would approach me or my family and what that might how that might impact them," Van Kirk said.

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