Map Shows Where Meth Production is Most Prevalent in Illinois

The number of Illinois meth lab incidents are on the rise, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration.

Meth production has plagued the Midwest more than any other region in the U.S. In 2014, nearly 60 percent of meth lab incidents reported by the DEA were in the nation's heartland. Illinois had the sixth most with 729 incidents -- up from 670 in 2013 -- behind Indiana (1,471), Missouri (1,034), Tennessee (961), Ohio (939) and Michigan (750).

The Illinois State Police has kept track of the number of meth lab busts since 1997, though state data differs from federal figures because the DEA also includes the seizure of dumpsites, chemicals and glassware in its statistics. According to ISP, 624 meth labs have been seized in 2015 as of Nov. 19.

To address the state's growing meth problem, the Legislature in 2006 passed a law that established a statewide registry of individuals who have been convicted of manufacturing meth. The database also shows the counties in which offenders were convicted, giving an idea of where in Illinois meth production is most prevalent.

Here are the 15 Illinois counties that have had the most meth manufacturing convictions since 2006.

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