CRYSTAL METH LABS APPEARING IN RURAL COMMUNITIES

Information From Alberta Agriculture Rural Crime Watch

Rural Canada is experiencing rising instances of Methamphetamine use, along
with its urban neighbours. Though it is not a new drug, this member of the
amphetamine group is arousing increasing concern in rural communities.

Crystal meth is a form of methamphetamine that is most commonly smoked. It
is made from ingredients that can be bought in local drug and hardware
stores. It's composition can vary depending on the ingredients used. Some
of these "ingredients" are allergy, sinus and cough medications; acetone;
brake cleaner; denatured alcohol; and sulfuric or muriatic acid.

The drug can be easily and quickly manufactured in unregulated, illegal
clandestine (clan) labs or "cook operations", using these everyday
ingredients. Ingredient materials do not need to be imported, making meth
relatively cheap to produce and to purchase. In some areas, unfortunately,
it is also becoming easy to find.

The drugs produced in the clan labs and cook operations don't only harm the
people who use them, but the environment. Each kilogram of this dangerous
and highly addictive drug produces five to seven kilogram of chemical
waste. The volative chemical reactions used to create crystallized form of
methamphetamine release toxic gases and the discarded chemicals are often
carelessly dumped.

Anhydrous ammonia is one of the commonly used ingredients in producing this
drug. Rural areas offer easy availability of this substance and relative
seclusion of rural areas can make them attractive for those illegal activities.

The RCMP and urban police forces have compiled lists of clan lab
indicators. A few of these include:

* unusual strong odors (ether, ammonia, acetone)

* windows blacked out

* renters who will pay only in cash

* people coming and going at unusual times

* unusual amounts of glass containers being brought into the home

* excessive trash, including large amounts of items such as drain cleaners,
lye, solvents, iodine and other chemical containers

If you suspect a clan lab in your area, DO NOT approach the building. Alert
the local RCMP detachment or police department and let them deal with the
situation. They are equipped with the necessary biohazard clothing and
equipment to deal with a contaminated building or site.

A strong community is one of the best safeguards against clan labs. Rural
crime watch organizations exist in many areas and serve as the eyes and
ears of law enforcement to supplement police who run them, in your
community. Report suspicious activity to the local RCMP or police department.

If you wish to report suspicious activity within the Barriere area call the
Barriere RCMP at 672-9918 or CrimeStoppers at 374-TIPS.