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HILLSBORO, Mo. (AP) - The Jefferson County Sheriff's Department says Missouri had more than 20 percent of all meth lab incidents nationwide in fiscal year 2008.

Jefferson County also had the most methamphetamine lab incidents in Missouri during the time, with about 200 reported.

Jefferson County relied on figures from the El Paso Intelligence Center, which gathers narcotics statistics.

While the majority of states contribute information, the figures may not include all seizures nationwide.

Authorities record an incident when they bust a lab or find a dump site of chemicals and equipment used for making meth.

Jefferson County's rural location makes it a popular spot for meth making.

The county is also known for aggressive enforcement against meth, which allows the department to record such a high

number of incidents.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)