RENTAL PROPERTY OWNERS LEARN TO SPOT METH LABS

NORTH MYRTLE BEACH--Police hope to train rental property owners to try to
cut down on the number of methamphetamine labs.

There have been six arrests in the past year here involving meth labs or
people with the materials to set up labs, said Sgt. Paul Sheets.

There were 154 meth labs in South Carolina last year, more than double the
number in 2003.

South Carolina authorities have created a program called Methwatch to help
curb the spread of meth labs. The program places signs in retail stores in
hopes of deterring people from stealing potential meth ingredients, such as
pseudoephedrine.

"It is a huge problem," said Mark Plowden, a spokesman for the attorney
general's office.

During the training last week, rental property owners and property managers
received tips on how to spot signs that someone might have a lab or might
plan to set one up.

"We hope that we will find them in the early stages and stop them from
starting," said Randy Fisher, North Myrtle Beach Department of Public Safety
spokesman.

Sheets said most meth labs are found in rental properties.

Some of those attending the training appeared surprised to learn that a
collection of glass jars and dishes, plastic jars and some plastic hose
could be the makings of a meth lab. They also learned that meth labs use
common household items such as rubbing alcohol, salt and cleaning supplies.

Sheets said a maintenance man repairing plumbing at a rental unit earlier
this year didn't recognize the supplies for a meth lab under the sink.

"He moved everything, then put it all right back when he was finished,"
Sheets said.