Police in Ohio Hope to Help People Using Meth by Offering to Test Drugs for Zika

A police department in Ohio is hoping to find and help people who use meth by offering to test their drugs for the Zika virus, CNN reports. Zika cannot be transmitted through drugs, the article notes.

The Gratis, Ohio police department recently posted on Facebook, “WARNING: If you have recently purchased Meth in Preble, Montgomery, Darke or Butler Counties it may be contaminated with the Zika Virus. Please bring it to the Gratis Police Department and we will test it for free. If you’re not comfortable coming into our office, please contact us and we’ll test your Meth in the privacy of your home. Disclaimer: methamphetamine can be a host for the Zika virus.”

Even though the virus is transmitted through the bite of one type of mosquito, the police department hopes people will believe the post and come in for help, according to Assistant Police Chief Dennis Blankenship. “I have no intention on arresting anyone this way,” he said. “My goal is not to throw someone in jail over this. I hope to use it to start those in need to seek treatment.” Blankenship said no one so far has come in to have their meth tested, but the post has received more than 5,000 shares and more than 2,000 comments.