When To Suspect A Meth Lab Is In Your Neighborhood
Why Meth?
Methamphetamine use provides a longer and more intense high than other street drugs and is competitively priced and easily accessible. Ingredients for production can be easily obtained over the counter with low overhead and the production process has been simplified and has many variations. The average user has the choice of producing it for themselves with more for distribution and profit or purchasing from someone else.
Why Not Meth?
- Unusual or strong chemical odors coming from home, trailer, garage, or other structure.
- Chemical containers being stored on the property or in vehicles (for example, extra Coleman fuel, antifreeze, drain cleaner)
- Extra trash, including chemical containers, red-stained coffee filters, plastic tubing, drain cleaner, medicine bottles or bubble packs, duct tape and kitty litter bags.
- Extra amounts of glass ware or amber cookware, hot plates, and propane cylinders taken into the residence.
- Short-term foot or car traffic at residence - especially at night.
- Residences with blacked out windows.
Why Meth?
Methamphetamine use provides a longer and more intense high than other street drugs and is competitively priced and easily accessible. Ingredients for production can be easily obtained over the counter with low overhead and the production process has been simplified and has many variations. The average user has the choice of producing it for themselves with more for distribution and profit or purchasing from someone else.
Why Not Meth?
- Methamphetamine is extremely addictive.
- Chemicals found in meth labs have serious health risks:
- cancer
- short-term and permanent brain damage
- developmental and growth problems in children and teens
- internal and external chemical burns
- immune system, heart, and respiratory problems
- Many of the chemical used in methamphetamine production are poisonous by themselves and explosive when mixed together.
- Meth labs effect not only the suspect(s)' safety or environment, but also the safety and environment of those around the meth lab location.
- Meth labs create a substantial amount of hazardous or toxic chemical waste which creates substantial public and environmental contamination concerns.
- Meth labs create the need for specialized training, response and clean up, which translates to increased cost to the public.
- Meth labs present a substantial risk of injury to first responders and investigators, as well as long term health risks from repeated exposure.