Crystal meth replacing cocaine in N.Y.

NEW YORK, Oct. 27 (UPI) -- Authorities say the skyrocketing price of cocaine is prompting drug dealers in New York to push crystal meth as a replacement.

John Gilbride of the federal Drug Enforcement Agency says the shift in the drug market has led to a vast increase in crystal meth seizures this year, the New York Post reported Monday.

Gilbride told the newspaper the DEA has confiscated 14 kilos of meth in New York so far this year compared to just 4 kilos last year.

"It's a very dangerous, addictive drug. Very rarely is there such as thing as a casual meth user," Gilbride said. "Eventually, they stop eating, they stop taking care of their kids, they lose their hair, their teeth. It's a very nasty drug."

He said authorities fear an epidemic similar to the crack epidemic of the 1980s.