DISCOVERY OF METH LAB INCREASES DRUG AWARENESS

Chemistry Labs, Computer Labs And Biology Labs Are Found On Campuses Across
The Country

Recently UAB students became aware of another lab. In Blount Hall, a meth
lab was discovered by UAB Police, and three people were arrested. A meth
lab uses hazardous and often flammable chemicals to manufacture various
types of methamphetamines.

The number of meth labs discovered nationwide has been increasing in the
last few years. Some signs that a meth lab may be nearby are strange odors,
strong fumes or unfamiliar people constantly going in and coming out of a room.

Students are urged to call the UAB Police and anonymously report any of
these signs they notice.

Meth labs are extremely volatile and can pose serious dangers not only
those running the meth lab, but to other people in the area.

UAB Police Chief Harry Marzette said the hazards include "risk of explosion
or fire, lung damage, throat damage, burning eyes, (and they) can make you
sick or even cause death."

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration Web site, "Methamphetamine
manufacturing results in a great deal of hazardous waste.

"The manufacture of one pound of methamphetamine results in six pounds of
waste.

"This waste includes corrosive liquids, acid vapors, heavy metals, solvents
and other harmful materials that can cause disfigurement or death when
contact is made with skin or breathed into the lungs.

"Lab operators almost always dump this waste illegally in ways that
severely damage the environment. National parks and other preserved sites
have been adversely affected."

The UAB Police have created new fliers that will be distributed to all of
the dorms to educate students in crime and drug prevention. Talks are being
scheduled with the RAs to help them know what to look for.

"If there is another one here, we're going to find it,"Marzette said.

UAB officers have increased their patrols of the dorms since the discovery
of the meth lab and will be "very diligent and really watchful."

Marzette said police cannot be everywhere at once, so it is important that
students call the UAB Police if they notice anything suspicious.