METH LABS: YOU CAN FIGHT BACK

Methamphetamine has a violent history. It is one of the most addictive
substances in the world and has been called one of the most dangerous drugs
around, according to a report by the Drug Enforcement Agency. Meth is more
dangerous than crack/cocaine because it makes people more aggressive and
violent, law enforcement officials say.

In addition to the crimes committed by the manufacturers, sellers and
users, the use of the drug contributes to domestic violence, child abuse,
automobile accidents and the spread of infectious diseases when injected.

"Since July, we've had about five labs to process," say Joyce McConnell, an
investigator with the Lincoln County Sheriff's Department and member of the
South/East Methamphetamine Task Force.

In the past two months alone, law enforcement officials have uncovered two
clandestine methamphetamine labs in Lincoln County, and they expect to find
more of the illegal operations here in the future.

The costs associated with processing and dismantling a lab are staggering.
Since some of the Fayetteville Police Department and the Lincoln County
Sheriff's Department officers have become members of the South/East
Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force, federal grants pay for the clean-up
of the labs locally. But, ultimately, the money comes from taxpayer dollars.

"It could be up to 20,000 to $30,000 to clean up a lab," McConnell said.

Dismantling a lab requires a large team of officers for several hours at a
time, which often means extra officers must be called in for duty.

"It takes a minimum of six to 16 hours to work a meth lab," according to
McConnell.

That doesn't include the mounds of paperwork that must be filled out and
sent to the EPA, HAZ-MAT contractors, the task force, county and other
agencies.

Meth manufacturers and users aren't the only people poisoned by the drug,
McConnell said. The manufacturing process is extremely dangerous and
involves many common household chemical products. These chemicals in an
array of combinations are potentially lethal and toxic.

When mixed together, the chemicals used in the manufacturing process can
damage the central nervous system, liver and kidneys and burn or irritate
the skin, eyes, nose, throat and lungs, the investigator explained.

The chemicals and fumes that permeate the walls, carpets, plaster and wood
in meth labs, as well as the surrounding soil and water, are known to cause
cancer, short-term and permanent brain damage and immune and respiratory
system problems, she added.

"We put our lives in danger every time we process a lab," says McConnell.

The environmental waste labs create has immediate and long-term
consequences. Some meth lab operators experiment with other chemical
mixtures, producing unknown toxic and hazardous chemical waste and fumes
that may also cause the deaths of many innocent people, according to a
report by the South/East Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force.

"The three major hazards of meth are fires, explosions and chemical gases
that are released," McConnell said.

Citizens can take measures to ensure that methamphetamine manufacturing is
not occurring in their neighborhoods.

Drug dealers and meth manufacturers have common habits. Anyone who observes
any combination of the following activities compiled by the South/East
Tennessee Methamphetamine Task Force should report their concerns to their
local police at 438-7771 or sheriff's department at 433-9821 immediately.
They should not confront their neighbor with their suspicions or enter a
suspected lab.

Signs of a meth lab:

1. Occupants appear unemployed, yet seem to have plenty of money and pay
bills with cash.

2. Frequent visitors at all hours of the day or night.

3. Occupants are unfriendly, appear secretive about activities.

4. Occupants watch cars suspiciously when they pass by.

5. Occupants display a paranoid or odd behavior.

6. Extensive security at the home or signs that indicate "Private Property"
or "Beware of Dog," fences, large shrubs, bushes and trees.

7. Windows blackened or curtains always drawn.

8. Occupants go outside the house to smoke cigarettes.

9. Chemical odors coming from the house, garbage or detached buildings.

10. Garbage contains numerous bottles, containers and materials.

11. Coffee filters, bed sheets or other material stained from filtering red
phosphorus or other chemicals.

12. Occupant sets his garbage for pick up in another neighbor's collection
area.

13. Evidence of chemical or waste dumping (i.e. burn pits, or "dead spots"
in the yard).