MANITOBA'S RIPE FOR ECSTASY LABS

Many Advantages For Scumbags: Cops ...

Manitoba's wide-open spaces, often windy conditions and lack of population make this province ideal for clandestine labs dedicated to manufacturing exotic drugs such as meth-amphetamines and the newest craze, ecstasy.

Adding to the criminal's advantage is the province's central location and Canadian laws.

Some of the ingredients -- including brand-name cold remedies -- can be purchased in large quantities over the counter at many pharmacies in Canada. In the U.S., large sales are prohibited.

'Kitchens Of Death'

An old out-of-the way farm house or a place to park a trailer or mobile home are ideal hiding places for the labs which are often called "kitchens of death" by police officers across Canada.

Often, the labs are hidden in old houses or barns in remote areas. "They can work in obscurity and dump the waste, much deemed toxic, onto the ground or into a nearby river or pond," said Sgt. Bill Stewart of the Winnipeg police drug unit.

"The crap they dump will eventually contaminate the ground water and risk the lives of people who think they're drinking clean water. And, livestock have to be destroyed."

Any rural landowner approached by a prospective renter -- wanting to pay in cash -- should contact the nearest police department, said Stewart.

"The scumbags who operate these labs are hoping to cash in on an unsuspecting, or naive person, to be successful," said Stewart.

Often unsuspecting landowners are responsible for the cost of cleanup. And, a warning of toxic substances must be placed on the deed to alert prospective buyers of the property.

The windy conditions in this province also help dissipate fumes often associated with manufacturing the deadly drugs.

"If neighbours detect a strong chloride odour and there are no swimming pools in the area, they should contact police," said Stewart. Another sign a clandestine lab may be operating is sudden eye irritation, caused by the release of fumes.