The manufacturing of methamphetamine was once a problem that most felt impacted the most rural parts of Appalachia, with Lawrence County and the Tri-State remaining relatively shielded from the epidemic that plagued many other states.

That reprieve may be ending.

Lawrence County authorities have made three alleged meth lab busts in recent weeks, marking the tightest concentration of arrests associated with this drug in many years — if not ever.

Several of these cases remain in the legal system and all of the accused are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. But the fact that authorities have made more than a dozen arrests in these three separate incidents shows this problem maybe coming right to our doorstep now.

Law enforcement seems to have a handle on the things to look for and the warning signs that are associated with meth manufacturing. The public likely needs more education.

Because the volatile nature of manufacturing this drug, it is a tremendous public safety hazard. We need state and local authorities to make a conscious effort to help teach citizens what to look for so they know if someone is making this drug next to their homes.

Maybe it is just a coincidence but if methamphetamine manufacturing is going to impact our region we must be prepared.