MYNORTHWEST NEWS

Meth possession in Seattle spikes, data shows

Apr 9, 2018, 9:09 AM

Methamphetamine use is on the rise in Seattle.

RELATED: Drug consumption sites permanently banned in SnoCo.

The number of possession records has drastically increased in the last few years, according to data from the Seattle Police Department.

There were 293 records in 2017. That’s up from 183 in 2016.

The fewest number of records made in the last decade was in 2009, with just 49.

It’s a trend that further backs concerns over the rising number of deaths linked to meth. A recent study at the University of Washington found a 13-percent increase of meth use statewide when compared to a similar 2015 study.

In King County, there’s an increasing number of homeless people who are dying with meth in their system. The number of deaths within the homeless population rose from 132 in 2016 to 169 in 2017.

The number of meth overdoses is about half of heroin overdoses.

Please follow our Community Guidelines

MyNorthwest News

Jayapal...

Julia Dallas

US Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s office receives suspicious package

U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal’s office in Seattle received a suspicious package Friday afternoon.

35 seconds ago

northbound I-5 crash...

MyNorthwest Staff

Northbound I-5 reopened after crash at Michigan Curve

Four lanes are blocked on northbound I-5 due to a crash on Friday.

31 minutes ago

power outage tacoma...

MyNorthwest Staff

Power mostly restored in Pierce County

Nearly 4,000 people are currently without power in Tacoma on Friday.

1 hour ago

oregon shooting...

HAVEN DALEY and SAFIYAH RIDDLE, The Associated Press

Teen shooter who killed 4 at Oregon elementary school was a former student, police say

A teacher threw her phone at the teenage gunman who killed four people at an Oregon elementary school, then tackled and fought with him.

1 hour ago

chelan hills fire (2)...

Jack Bilyeu, KIRO 7 News

Newly-released footage shows frantic evacuations, arrest of suspect in deadly Chelan Hills wildfire

Newly released footage shows the hectic early hours of the Chelan Hills wildfire and the moment a homicide investigation was launched.

2 hours ago

Alo Yoga...

MyNorthwest Staff

Alo could be opening a store in downtown Seattle

Popular athleisure brand Alo Yoga could be moving into downtown Seattle.

3 hours ago

Meth possession in Seattle spikes, data shows