Cass County Sheriff Investigator Mike Diekmann shared that fact with the Backus City Council and community members gathered July 2.

Sales of the drug are lucrative, and it's highly addictive and poisonous.

A single gram of meth can sell for between $125 and $250 depending on potency and availability.

Diekmann's stop in Backus is part of a larger attempt by investigators to visit with cities in Cass County to talk - and receive feedback - about drug use in area communities.

Backus has a high rate of meth users when compared to its population, Diekmann said.

And, once a user is addicted to meth, there's no quick fix.

The county incurs substantial costs related to meth, including out-of-home placements, incarceration and treatment costs. Hundreds of man-hours can be invested in a single meth case, Diekmann said.

And, aside from the health affects to humans, it's an environmental hazard.

For every pound of meth produced, six pounds of toxic waste is created, according to the Minnesota National Guard Counterdrug Team.

Producers often pour byproducts down household drains, storm drains or into the ground contaminating groundwater and soils.

Meth producers use many household chemicals in the production of meth, including rubbing alcohol, brake cleaner, drain cleaner, batteries, gas additives, matches and more. Other commonly used equipment can also be found in most households including glass dishes, bottles, paper towels or coffee filters, measuring cups, scales and towels or bed sheets.

Diekmann said that some dealers have been busted manufacturing meth out of the back of their vehicles. Fish houses, trailers and small sheds are also possible meth cooking locations.

A main ingredient in meth is pseudophedrine, found in some cold medicines. A Minnesota law was passed curbing precursors of meth. Customers are limited in the amount of cold medicine - containing ephedrine or pseudophedrine - that they're allowed to purchase, as well as the frequency of purchases.

However, not all countries regulate the sale of meth precursors, so some dealers import ingredients from other countries.

A lot of drug dealers operate on a bartering system, sharing drugs among a group.

There's a cycle that needs to be broken: kids getting kids to try drugs, Diekmann said.

Parents, and especially grandparents, should talk to youth about drugs. "If they're not listening to you; they're listening to someone else," Diekmann added.

To report drug activity in Cass County, call (218) 547-7437.