EXPLOSIVE KICK FOR ETHER

If you've ever wondered what kind of threat that clandestine crystal
meth lab in your neighbourhood really poses, consider this: According
to Cpl. John Karlovec, of the Surrey RCMP's drug squad, a one-litre
bottle of ether has enough explosive kick to easily level a
1,400-square-foot home.

Still, that's but a drop compared to the quantity of ether some
criminals are using in major meth labs.

"These guys are using 50-gallon drums in these things," he noted.

Equally disconcerting is the fact that most meth cooks tend not to be
chemistry wizards. They try a dash of this and sprinkle of that as
they mix up their batches, oblivious to potential chemical reactions.

"They're not chemists. We refer to them as cooks," Karlovec said. He
recalled a case about three years ago in Newton where a meth lab blew
up in a shed behind a house. The cook suffered massive third-degree
burns and died of septic shock a week later.

Given the explosive potential of meth labs, police can't use their
firearms to defend themselves. Sgt. John Furac recalled a case about
eight years ago where police caught a cook in the act. The guy had a
gun tucked in his belt when police came in. Since no one could shoot,
the guy started throwing chemicals at police. The house blew right
off its foundation, taking the cook with it.

What's particularly scary is that Surrey RCMP's drug squad has
discovered meth labs inside apartments in local towers.

The danger to the public is extreme in such cases, compounded by the
fact meth manufacturers don't seem to care.

Given the inherent dangers, police are always seeking tips on where
meth labs are operating in Surrey.

Here are some tell-tale signs of clandestine labs:

- - Windows blacked out and curtains always drawn,

- - Chemical smell,

- - Garbage often has bottles and containers of acetone, toluene,
muriatic acid, red phosphorus, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine, methanol,
rubbing alcohol, sodium hydroxide, ether, paint thinner and ammonia,

- - Metal drums or boxes with labels removed or spray painted over,

- - Residents setting out their garbage on a neighbour's property,

- - Unfriendly, paranoid behaviour coupled with frequent late-night
activity, residents coming outside to smoke cigarettes, and residents
being unemployed yet driving expensive cars and having lots of money,

- - Expensive security.