HOME COOKING THAT CAN KILL

Manufacturing Drugs A Very Risky Business

Explosions, fires, chemical burns and toxic fumes are the biggest
risks posed by clandestine drug labs, police say. "It's a very
dangerous situation," said Winnipeg police spokeswoman Const. Shelly
Glover.

Police say criminals operating these labs aren't trained chemists and
often make errors in mixing highly volatile chemicals.

In the United States, one out of five labs is found due to an
explosion or fire.

Children are especially susceptible to the effects of clandestine drug
labs, including poisonous gases.

Three young kids were living in the suite at 50 Chesterfield Ave.,
where a clandestine drug lab was discovered yesterday.

"It's pretty stupid if she (the mother) is doing things like that in
their house," said neighbour Jennifer Normand, 25. "It's so stupid.
Everybody that lives here (in the complex) has children."

But another neighbour doubted the mother had anything to do with the
lab.

"I know her; she is so nice," said Vivian Beck. "I used to babysit her
children."

The St. Vital lab is the third uncovered in Winnipeg, and cops fear
there are more.

In November 2002, cops raided a meth and ecstasy lab in a West End
home at 659 Valour Rd. A 33-year-old tenant was charged.

In July 2000, cops discovered a "sophisticated" meth and ecstasy lab
in a two-storey North End home at 910 Boyd Ave. Two brothers were
charged in that raid.

Police are warning citizens to watch out for the obvious signs of a
drug lab.

"A strong smell accompanied by a build-up of a yellow substance on the
windows can be an indicator that there is a lab cooking drugs," Glover
said. "Please call police immediately if you are suspicious."