CRIME STOPPERS TARGETS METHAMPHETAMINE LABS

Comox Valley Crime Stoppers are offering a reward up to $2,000 for
information leading to discovery and dismantlement of a
methamphetamine laboratory in the Valley.

Police haven't yet discovered a local meth lab, but are dealing with
a growing number of incidents involving crystal meth.

Anyone who suspects a lab may be operating in the Valley is asked to
phone Crime Stoppers at 338-8477.

Callers can give information and claim rewards without revealing
their names and calls to Crime Stoppers are not recorded.

Most ingredients used in producing the drug can be bought at ordinary
supermarkets and pharmacies and equipment for a small lab can be
carried in the trunk of a car.

Crystal meth can be produced in a few hours, according to the RCMP.

Police urge hotel and motel staff to be alert for guests who pay with
cash, have no identification and arrive with several pieces of
luggage or cardboard or rubber storage containers.

Housekeeping staff should be alert for chemical odors in guests'
rooms or the strong scent of an aerosol air freshener which may mask
other odors.

When meth ingredients are mixed together, they produce substances
which are toxic and potentially lethal. Each pound of crystal
methamphetamine leaves behind five to six pounds of toxic waste.

Toxic fumes from the lab permeate the walls, carpets, plaster and
wood in labs as well as the surrounding soil where refuse may be dumped.

Cleaning up a meth lab requires a special team and can cost from
$3,100 to $150,000, according to the RCMP.

Landlords and property managers should screen prospective tenants
carefully and keep a record of their vehicles and licence plate
numbers. Signs that a meth lab may be operating in a rental property include:

Unusual, strong odours (ether, ammonia or acetone).

Blacked out windows or curtains drawn most of the time.

Renters who pay only in cash.

People coming and going at unusual times.

Excessive trash including large quantities of containers for
chemicals such as drain cleaners, lye, solvents, iodine.

Tenants who appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money.

Excessive security or signs reading private property" or beware of the dog."

Tenants who place their garbage for pick-up in another tenant's collection area.