Meth makers have employed a way around the log sheets at local pharmacies to obtain pseudoephedrine to make meth, and according to Avery Sheriff Kevin Frye, it often involves unsuspecting participants.  Called “smurfing,” the setup involves several people go to different pharmacies to buy the pseudoephedrine, often sitting in the parking lots and ask patrons going into the pharmacy to purchase the pseudoephedrine. Some act as if they are too sick to go in or use their children as an excuse to not go in, to perpetrate this scam. The Avery Sheriff/Municipal Drug Task force wants any citizen approached to buy pseudoephedrine at a pharmacy to please notify authorities immediately.  Last year saw the highest number of meth labs discovered in Avery County, with 6 meth labs discovered, according to the SBI. Five were found in 2004.  Sheriff Kevin Frye said that counties all across North Carolina saw decreases of meth labs after Pseudoephedrine, the principle ingredient was placed behind pharmacy counters and required identification in order to purchase in 2006.  But in late 2010 and in 2011, a new method of making meth came on the scene, the  “Shake and Bake” or the “One Pot” method, and caused a spike in meth lab arrests statewide.  Sheriff Frye said the method is no less dangerous than the old method, but it is quicker, more portable and more concealable, making law enforcement’s job to find these labs much harder.  As of June 4th, Avery County has already discovered 5 meth labs, and if this trend continues, the county will come close to double digit meth labs for the first time ever.  In 2011, there were only 8 counties with double digit meth labs found in the entire state. Also, the sheriff warns that if any citizen finds a bottle with a white chalky substance to not pick up the bottle, typically a 2 liter bottle, and notify authorities immediately, as it may be part of a dumped meth lab.