Does Hellertown Have a Meth Problem? Readers Disagree.

Local residents have different interpretations about the meaning of recent methamphetamine arrests in the Hellertown area, according to their comments posted on the Facebook page for Hellertown-Lower Saucon Patch.

Most recently, a borough man was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia after borough police said items used to make the drug were found in a garage behind the 1600 block of Main Street.

Edward H. Klotz, 42, of the 100 block of Kichline Avenue, was arrested after a search warrant was served Sept. 4, police said.

In August, authorities raided a home at 166 Main St., Hellertown, where they said meth was being made by four people.

Also last month, police uncovered an alleged meth lab that was being dismantled in a barn on Applebutter Road in Lower Saucon Township.

Meth labs are often of great concern to nearby residents, because of the potential for the chemicals that are used to make the drug to combust.

When asked whether they believe there is a meth problem in Hellertown, some residents said they do.

For example, Susan Yale said "I am sure there are many more (meth labs) than the local police know about it. ... I believe they set up shop here because the local police don't do enough to uncover the situation."

"There has been a meth problem in Hellertown for years," wrote Mari Ball Edwards. "The cops are finally catching on, it seems."

And Jason G. Schrammel said "good old fashioned police work found these labs."

Others questioned whether the manufacturing of meth has "spilled over" from nearby cities, such as Bethlehem and Allentown; whether Hellertown's proximity to I-78 and points east has made it an attractive destination for meth lab operators; and whether the closeness of a casino has helped spread the popularity of meth.

"I don't think it's any more of a problem than any other town, it's just that being a small town, when these busts happen it's HUGE major news and becomes the talk of the town making it seem like a huge deal," commented Kevin Frain.

And Yahshavah Breedlove said he thinks any talk of a meth problem in Hellertown is overblown.

"I have lived in Hellertown for 7 years and had no idea there was meth labs until the first bust at Hero," he wrote. "I have lived most of my life in Miami and New York and 5 busts is not a town having a meth problem, it is cops simply busting the chain. Drugs are everywhere. People do drugs, they drink, this is not because of highways or casinos. I am happy the labs are being targeted because meth is dangerous and makes people stupid. But I do not think Hellertown is 'shamed' or 'drugged out' or a 'dangerous city.' It is just like every American town with all the good and all the bad, and the only thing that sets a community apart is how they handle it."

What do you think of the recent meth arrests in the Hellertown area? Share your views by posting a comment below.