MISHAWAKA — Meth is a problem that has exploded over the last several years and police say it's only getting worse. Every day, officers are uncovering new labs that are devastating families and changing communities.

The numbers are staggering. Meth lab busts in our area rank among the highest in the entire state. So what's behind it all? Police say one word: accessibility.

It's a busy morning for Mrs. Studt's sixth grade reading class. But on this particular day, students are filing in to learn about a different subject: meth.

"Methamphetamine really is like an addictive poison. It could be one time and that's it," said Robert Ryan.

Ryan is the Director of the Bowen Center, a drug treatment facility in Marshall County. Through a state grant, the center will visit all sixth and seventh grade classes across the county, teaching students about meth.

"And we just felt like we had to do something to try and stop the problem before it starts," Ryan explained.

Especially at a time when the drug is exploding in nearly every corner of our community. Indiana State Police Trooper Jason Faulstich works on the Meth Suppression Unit. He says the northern corridor — which includes Marshall, Elkhart, and Noble counties — is a breeding ground for meth-makers.

"It's becoming an epidemic because it's spreading so fast," said Faulstich.

Meth lab busts in Marshall County have ranked among the highest in the state since 2004. Last year in Elkhart County police uncovered 65 labs, making it the second highest in the state.

It's a trend that's been playing out across Indiana for several years. In 1995, police reported just six meth labs across the state. That number jumped to 1,059 in 2008.

"There are so many people hooked up on this drug now and so messed up on it," said Faulstich.

The question is why? Police say the answer is simple: accessibility.

"You can make it in your kitchen. And with the new method now, the one-pot, they don't have to per se steal anything. They can go up to Wal-Mart, buy their supplies for $30," said Faulstich.

But not without pseudoephedrine or ephedrine. It's the one ingredient meth-makers must have. And it's found in over-the-counter cold medicines like Sudafed.

"A box of pseudo is about three grams. They can usually get about an 80 percent yield. So, you're talking anywhere from 2.5 to about 2.8 grams of meth they can make," said Faulstich.

Four years ago, lawmakers passed a bill limiting the amount of cold medicine a person can buy. Pharmacies keep track by logging the person's information each time they buy it. But even with these requirements, meth-makers are finding a way around it.

"Because the pharmacies are not linked together," said Faulstich.

This means multiple people can go to multiple stores across the area to buy pseudoephedrine. WSBT used hidden cameras to show just how easy it really is.

In less than an hour, we hit four pharmacies, all within a 10-mile radius. We bought enough pseudoephedrine to make 10 grams of meth. On the streets, it's worth more than $1,000.

The easy access to pseudoephedrine is keeping meth-makers in business and addicts wanting more. It's the reason educating kids is so important right now. Officials say teaching them about the dangers of meth could potentially stop them from ever taking that first hit.

Education is one way to stop this growing epidemic. But, what else needs to be done? Police have some ideas, but some legislators aren't convinced.

Wednesday night on WSBT News at 11, we'll take a look at some controversial solutions to stop the meth problem from getting worse.