Oregon deputies say they're finding fruit-flavored meth

EUGENE, Ore — What may be a marketing ploy among methamphetamine manufacturers has shown up in Lane County: fruit-flavored meth, aka Strawberry Quick.

Twice in raids this month, deputies have found flavored meth crystals, most recently in a Springfield bust.

Sgt. Clint Riley of the sheriff's department said there was no evidence that the meth had been marketed to children, though.

"It's something that parents should be concerned about, be aware of and educated about, but I don't think we should be in panic mode either," Riley said. "It's definitely something to keep our eye on. But what it means, I don't know."

Meth, an addictive stimulant, usually is white or brown and can be snorted, smoked or injected. Those who inhale the drug get a strong, bitter, acidic flavor.

Strawberry adds sweetness, making it more enticing for inexperienced users, Eugene police narcotics Sgt. J.R. Webber said.

"You could kind of liken it to menthol cigarettes or cherry chewing tobacco," Webber said.

Nationwide, the flavored crystals have been reported in Washington, California and Idaho, along with some states in the Midwest and South.