In 2019, Western Maryland law enforcement officials noted a surge in methamphetamine cases. DEA agents and partner agencies announced the reappearance of one-pot meth labs in the area, noting there were more incidents in 2019 than in the past 5 years combined. The rise of methamphetamine use along with opioids has been termed the “fourth wave” of the ongoing opioid crisis.

“The resurgence of methamphetamine in recent years has largely been overshadowed by the nation’s intense focus on opioids. Because there has been so much attention on opioids in the last few years, the DEA has helped with Maryland and Virginia’s fight to combat the crisis over time. However, they have also been working diligently on these other substance use trends prevalent across the area, with the resurgence of meth use being one of particular note.” – DEA press release