News (Media Awareness Project) - US IA: How to Identify Drug Labs |
| Title: | US IA: How to Identify Drug Labs |
| Published On: | 2003-11-24 |
| Source: | Des Moines Register (IA) |
| Fetched On: | 2008-08-23 21:14:29 |
HOW TO IDENTIFY DRUG LABS
Why Is It Important? Labs are frequently abandoned, and the toxic and
potentially explosive chemicals are left behind. The chemicals are
sometimes dumped along roads or in woods. Meth labs have been set up at
campgrounds, rest areas, rental homes, motel rooms, abandoned cars,
garages, storage sheds, barns and vacant buildings.
What to Look For: Most meth labs look like a collection of pressurized
cylinders, chemical bottles and hoses.
Common Supplies: Propane tanks, plastic tubing, camp stove fuel, empty pill
bottles, ephedrine or pseudoephedrine tablets, anhydrous ammonia, ether,
coffee filters with red stains, funnels and batteries. The most common
chemicals used to start the meth-making process are over-the-counter cold
and asthma medications. Typical brands include Sudafed, Revive and
Mini-thins, which contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as decongestants or
stimulants.
This Year: State officials have found 520 clandestine drug labs as of Nov. 1.
Evidence of Labs in Homes:
* Strong odor of solvents.
* Residences with windows blacked out.
* Smell of anhydrous ammonia.
* Iodine- or chemical-stained bathroom or kitchen fixtures.
* Smell of starting fluid, which contains ether.
* Renters who pay their landlords in cash.
* Rubber or plastic tubing.
* Increased activity, especially at night.
* Excessive trash.
What to Do:
* Do not enter a site that you think may be used for cooking meth. Labs
present extreme dangers from explosions and exposure to hazardous
chemicals. Breathing the fumes and handling substances can cause injury and
even death.
* Drug labs are considered hazardous-waste sites and should be entered only
by trained professionals.
* Never handle materials you suspect were used for making meth, such as
contaminated glassware and needles. Skin contact can result in burns or
poisoning.
* If you suspect a methamphetamine lab in your area, contact your local law
enforcement agency immediately. The state's lab hot line is (800) 532-0052.
Source - Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
Why Is It Important? Labs are frequently abandoned, and the toxic and
potentially explosive chemicals are left behind. The chemicals are
sometimes dumped along roads or in woods. Meth labs have been set up at
campgrounds, rest areas, rental homes, motel rooms, abandoned cars,
garages, storage sheds, barns and vacant buildings.
What to Look For: Most meth labs look like a collection of pressurized
cylinders, chemical bottles and hoses.
Common Supplies: Propane tanks, plastic tubing, camp stove fuel, empty pill
bottles, ephedrine or pseudoephedrine tablets, anhydrous ammonia, ether,
coffee filters with red stains, funnels and batteries. The most common
chemicals used to start the meth-making process are over-the-counter cold
and asthma medications. Typical brands include Sudafed, Revive and
Mini-thins, which contain ephedrine or pseudoephedrine as decongestants or
stimulants.
This Year: State officials have found 520 clandestine drug labs as of Nov. 1.
Evidence of Labs in Homes:
* Strong odor of solvents.
* Residences with windows blacked out.
* Smell of anhydrous ammonia.
* Iodine- or chemical-stained bathroom or kitchen fixtures.
* Smell of starting fluid, which contains ether.
* Renters who pay their landlords in cash.
* Rubber or plastic tubing.
* Increased activity, especially at night.
* Excessive trash.
What to Do:
* Do not enter a site that you think may be used for cooking meth. Labs
present extreme dangers from explosions and exposure to hazardous
chemicals. Breathing the fumes and handling substances can cause injury and
even death.
* Drug labs are considered hazardous-waste sites and should be entered only
by trained professionals.
* Never handle materials you suspect were used for making meth, such as
contaminated glassware and needles. Skin contact can result in burns or
poisoning.
* If you suspect a methamphetamine lab in your area, contact your local law
enforcement agency immediately. The state's lab hot line is (800) 532-0052.
Source - Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
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