MCMINNVILLE (AP) — Local drug squads say Oregon’s efforts to suppress home-grown methamphetamine labs is paying off, although outside suppliers have stepped in to fill the demand.

In Yamhill County, for instance, the county Interagency Narcotics Team took apart a lab earlier this month about 10 miles northwest of Willamina.

Toxic liquids, chemicals and cooking hardware were recovered from what the team called a mountainous West Valley dump site that was spotted by a hunter who notified the sheriff’s office.

Agents noted that it was the first time in more than a year they had been called on to secure a lab site.

Statewide, the number of labs investigated is down to 21 in 2007. In 2001, the number was 587, according to the State Department of Human Services.

In Yamhill County, a high point was in 2000, when 64 labs were investigated. In 2006 and 2007, there was only one.

“Back then, in 2000 and 2001, we were seeing a lab a week for a while,” said McMinnville Police Sgt. Dwayne Willis, supervisor of the drug squad. “It was a huge concern. Law enforcement has gotten more wiser, The investigators, those on patrol and the public are more tuned in. Everyone’s learned what to look for. Meth is still out there, but we’re seeing no labs.”

State police officials say that most of the meth now is imported, much from Mexico.

Oregon has clamped down on the distribution of pseudoephedrine, used by many labs as a methamphetamine precursor. It’s sold behind the counter, and only by prescription.

Willis said that has had an effect, but other chemicals have been regulated as well.

“Take iodine, for instance,” he said. “You can buy it at farm stores, but to do so, you've got to show some identification and explain why you need it.”