Guthrie County Sheriff Marty Arganbright is asking the County Board of Supervisors to provide funds for the hiring of another deputy. KCCI reports Arganbright wants the extra help in fighting the scourge of drugs in his county that are stretching resources too thin. Arganbright said he’s seen a huge rise in the use of meth, which has surpassed marijuana as the drug of choice. More specifically, he says Crystal Meth is a powerful drug that presents a danger to his deputies and citizens alike.

According to drugfreeworld.org, Crystal Meth creates a false sense of happiness and well-being—a rush (strong feeling) of confidence, hyperactiveness and energy. It also causes a decrease in appetite. The drug’s effects generally last from six to eight hours, but can last up to twenty-four hours.

The sheriff said nearly 50 percent of traffic stops in his county result in some sort of drug charge related to meth. Arganbright said dealing with meth users puts deputies at risk. In December a woman, who was likely high on meth, fought with deputies after receiving a sentence officials said she didn’t agree with. It took several deputies to wrangle her, and they all were injured in the process.

He said the spike in dangerous offenders high on meth calls is why he is asking for more help. The sheriff’s office currently has four full-time and eight part-time deputies. The office also has a jailer that acts as a part-time deputy. The Board of Supervisors should decide within the next two to three weeks if it will approve funding for another deputy.