RCMP, EMERGENCY CREWS GET SCHOOLED IN GROW OPS, METH LABS

Constable Brad McIntosh, investigator with the Clandestine Laboratory
team and Corporal Dan Jakel, supervisor of the Calgary Drug Section
exposed marijuana grow operations and meth labs to Drumheller RCMP and
emergency crews on December 6 at the Civic Centre.

"If you understand the supply and demand theory, you will understand
all this," says Jakel. "It's all about the money."

In Alberta there is a half a billion dollar industry in marijuana, in
British Columbia it is a 7 billion dollar industry.

Alberta is seeing more grow operations due to the violence in
B.C.

"Many are moving to avoid gang violence and break-ins," says
Jakel.

Many grow operations are actually discovered by fire fighters after
faulty wiring causes fires.

There are things that RCMP and police officers can look for
though.

Recognizing a grow operation is sometimes tricky,"You can't just go on
one sign. There needs to be a collection of indicators," says Jakel.

- - Covered windows, especially in the basement. Growers want to
control the amount of light that gets to their plants so they use
their own means of lighting. They also want to prevent people from
seeing the plants.

- - Houses `sweating', major condensation on the windows, and water
will seep through stucco and siding. The average house gives off 30L
of water a day, a grow operation will give off 150L a day.

- - Abnormal light patterns. Either lights come on at same times every
day, or lights are on at odd times of the night.

- - Residents of the house have abnormal attendance patterns and they
always use the garage. Most producers don't live in the house they are
growing in, and they use the garage as a safe way to import and export
goods and conceal their identity and license plate numbers.

- - Hot roofs. In the winter their roofs are almost always clear of
snow in large patches because of the intense heat escaping through the
attic. Mostly only noticeable in winter.

- - The infamous skunky smell. Because the plants are ventilated
through sewers, bathroom vents and windows, the smell can travel a
good distance. Very distinct smell is often the biggest indicator.

Brad McIntosh spoke about the dangers of meth to the
audience.

Methamphetamine (meth) is a powerful drug that is creeping its way
into Canada.

"Meth started in the west, eventually moved east and is now moving
north into Canada," says McIntosh.

The patchwork recipes and method of cooking meth is what makes it such
a hazardous drug.

Explosions, toxic waste dumps and gang violence are all results of
meth labs.

McIntosh says that although meth is not a big problem in Alberta yet,
it's only a matter of time and crews need to be prepared.

Like marijuana grow operations, many meth labs are discovered by fire
crews after a fire or explosion.

The toxic and unstable chemicals explode when introduced to air or
ignited by the littlest static spark in the air.

When it comes to meth labs, they are a bit more difficult to discover
through `signs'.

Most meth labs are portable, they can be stored in coolers, dog
houses, jockey boxes of trucks, and basements.

A lot of time, ingredients and supplies to make meth are stored in
different locations and brought together for the cook and then
separated once again.

- - Trash includes lots of chemical containers such as antifreeze,
Drano and ammonia, excessive amounts of alkaline batteries, camping
fuel, paint thinner and cold tablet packages.

- - Renters who pay in cash to avoid being traced.

- - Blacked out windows to avoid seeing in.

- - Strong chemical odors like ammonia or acetone.

By doing these presentations the RCMP and emergency services hope to
be able to spot the signs and step in before injuries occur or crime
rates rise