(WAYNESVILLE) -- Haywood County Sheriff Bobby Suttles knows all too well that meth production in North Carolina is on the rise.

Suttles says meth cookers have figured a way around the state law that regulates how much pseudo-ephedrine a person can buy. He says meth dealers call it "smurfing," where they get several people to buy the maximum amount of Sudafed allowed so they can begin production. He says they also travel to neighboring states that have less restrictive laws.

Suttles adds that meth cookers are also making the drug in smaller quantities, which makes it more difficult to detect. He says that doesn't make the process any safer, because even a smaller pot can pack quite a punch should it ignite or explode.